A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal, Dysphagia, suggests that the proportion of seniors with swallowing problems in the U.S. is expected to top 20% by 2030 from 15% currently.
“Dysphagia has serious consequences for health and quality of life,” said study author, Sonja Molfenter. She is an assistant professor of communicative sciences and disorders at New York University in New York City.
Swallowing problems also can lead to health issues such as malnutrition, dehydration and pneumonia from food and drink that end up in the lungs instead of going down the throat.
Scientists are seeking alternative modes of delivering medicines to patients with dysphagia.
In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, IntelGenx (TSXV:IGX; OTCQX:IGXT) is testing its montelukast buccal thin film product candidate that does not need to be swallowed like a tablet and could become a game-changer for Alzheimer’s patients.
Montelukast has been shown to rejuvenate aged brains in animal models and studies suggest it may have a similar effect in humans.
