Feasibility of expiratory muscle strength training to address oropharyngeal dysphagia in a patient living with mixed dementia: A case report

Oropharyngeal dysphagia frequently occurs in persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PLWD) and results in negative health consequences. Strength-based exercises may address swallowing biomechanical impairments. Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is an intervention examined in other neurodegenerative populations and has demonstrated promise for improving respiratory muscle strength and airway defense physiologic capacity, potentially improving swallowing safety. We describe a case of a patient with Alzheimer's disease who participated in five consecutive weeks of EMST. We demonstrate that EMST is a feasible intervention for PLWD. Further research should be conducted to assess efficacy and benefit of EMST for PLWD.