Oral health screening may decrease aspiration pneumonia risk for adults with dementia in residential aged care

Many adults with dementia are dependent for feeding, oral care, and at-risk for aspiration pneumonia. Speech pathologists can facilitate oral health screening when these adults move into care. In screening 142 residents, 78% warranted a dental referral; 57% were at risk for malnourishment; 13% were malnourished; 70% indicated difficulty with, or apprehension about, swallowing thin liquids safely. Implications are discussed.