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The Role of Polypharmacy in Swallowing - Its Implications For Clinicians - Today's Geriatric Medicine
The Role of Polypharmacy in Swallowing - Its Implications For Clinicians - Today's Geriatric Medicine
The Role of Polypharmacy in Swallowing - Its Implications For Clinicians - Today's Geriatric Medicine
While working with older clients in the long term care and short-term
rehab settings, clinicians see higher rates of cognitive decline from
the actions of medications. Such factors are significant to decisions
regarding treatment approaches and compensatory strategies.
Working with the interdisciplinary team members is critical—to
include ongoing monitoring and reporting as well as accurate
documentation and completion of clinical approaches.
Anticholinergic Properties
It's commonly known that the peripheral effects of anticholinergics
include constipation, dry mouth, dry eyes, tachycardia, and urinary
retention. And the CNS effects of these drugs with anticholinergic
properties include agitation, confusion, delirium, falls, hallucinations,
and cognitive dysfunction.17
References
1. Carl LL, Johnson PR. Drugs and Dysphagia: How Medications
Can Affect Eating and Swallowing. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed; 2006.
18. Nekl CG, Lintzenich CR, Leng X, Lever T, Butler SG. Effects of
effortful swallow on esophageal function in healthy adults.
Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012;24(3):252-256.