Chew and swallow - A concept for improved health and wellbeing in older people

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project is to ensure healthy aging by securing physical and mental health and quality of life. Reduced chewing and swallowing function in fragile elderly people increases the risk for malnutrition, and in turn affects physical health and cognitive function. By identifying chewing and swallowing problems early, the onset of malnutrition can be prevented.

Expected results and effects

Our solution to the problem is that early identification and individually adapted rehabilitation supplemented with chewing and swallowing training programs will improve nutritional status. The conclusion from the project is that the problem is significant and the proposed solution has a great potential for improving human health. Today, people with compromised chewing and swallowing often go unnoticed by the health care system too long. The social gain will be huge if these persons are identified and treated, thereby preventing malnutrition.

Planned approach and implementation

A new method for quick and easy identification of chewing and swallowing problems based on AI and machine learning is under preparation. Screening has so far been conducted on 55 individuals to establish proof of concept. Thereafter the concept will be elaborated and complemented with nutrition assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, and follow-up of chewing and swallowing abilities. The long-term vision is that the methods developed should be the basis for creating chewing, swallowing and nutrition schools.