P9. Dysphagia affecting quality of life in cerebellar ataxia – A large survey. Issue 8 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rönnefarth, M.; Hanisch, N.; Brandt, A.; Mähler, A.; Endres, M.; Paul, F.; Doss, S.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 129:Issue 8(2018:Aug.)
• Page Start: e69
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.04.652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Abstract : Dysphagia is a common symptom in neurodegenerative disorders, including cerebellar ataxia. It is known to be associated with increased mortality (Chouinard et al., 1998). In spinocerebellar ataxia the reported prevalence ranges from 6% to 74% (Isono et al., 2013). However, there is neither standardized assessment nor treatment of dysphagia in patients with cerebellar ataxia in clinical neurological care. Thus, the impact of dysphagia on diet, body weight and health-related quality of life may be underestimated. To assess this, we conducted a large survey using self-reported questionnaires for swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL) and a food frequency list in combination with retrospective clinical data of 119 patients with cerebellar ataxia treated in the neurological outpatient clinic of Charité university hospital. According to the SWAL-QOL, 17% of patients suffered from dysphagia. Less than 1% of all patients perceived dysphagia to be one of their most disabling symptoms. Dysphagia was associated with unintentional weight loss and reduced health-related quality of life but did not affect individual nutritional habits. In conclusion, dysphagia seems to be an underreported symptom in cerebellar ataxia but significantly affects quality of life. Furthermore, it was associated with unintentional weight loss but. Thus, a systematic screening for dysphagia in patients with cerebellar ataxia would be favorable to enable early diagnosis and treatment.