Understanding Swallowing-Related Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of People with Dementia
Do you or a loved one have a cognitive impairment or dementia?
We are focused on better understanding caregiving experiences, readiness and supports associated with caring for a person living with dementia, with the goal of developing and carrying out a dementia caregiver support group to specifically support the burden associated with caring for someone with a swallowing impairment. In order to do so, we first need to understand caregivers’ experiences while supporting safe feeding and swallowing practices. Swallowing difficulties is not needed to participate.
As such, we are interested in:
Caregivers of people living with dementia across the country to complete the 30-minute online survey and we will compensate them with a $40 e-gift card. Caregivers do not need to be living with their loved one with dementia in order to participate. If you are interested in participating, please contact by email at macasrl@mcmaster.ca or by phone at 289-426-0843.
Individuals living with a cognitive impairment to participate and receive a comprehensive swallowing assessment, including an x-ray of their swallowing at: 1 Young Street, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 1T8. This will allow us to better understand swallowing in individuals living with cognitive impairments. Individuals who participate will receive a clinical report of their swallowing and a $100 gift card. Caregivers must be willing to participate in the above survey.
Establishing Reference Values and Clinical Decision Points for Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Measures of Swallowing
Have you ever had a blood test and received your results?
Perhaps your iron levels were low or your potassium levels were high. Tests such as these have defined cut-offs for what is considered in the range of normal and what is outside this range. In collaboration with the Dr. Catriona Steele at University Health Network, we are trying to better understand what is considered normal and what is outside this range in terms of swallowing and swallowing x-rays.
As such, we are interested in adults aged 72+ who report no swallowing difficulties and adults of all ages with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), regardless of whether you have swallowing difficulties, to participate in our study involving a swallowing x-ray. Individuals with COPD will receive a clinical report of their swallowing. All participants will receive an $80 gift card for their time.
If you are interested in participating, please contact by email at macasrl@mcmaster.ca or by phone at 289-426-0843.
