Keywords: malnutrition, dysphagia, oral health

"The Dormant Triad Exploring Dysphagia, Oral health, and Malnutrition in stroke and nursing home patients"

This dissertation aimed to investigate possible relations between the health problems, malnutrition, oropharyngeal dysphagia (swallowing problems), and poor oral health in stroke patients and in nursing home residents and also to assess quality indicators of nutritional care in hospitals. These health problems may lead to complications including aspiration pneumonia and poor quality of life of patients.

The findings in this dissertation show that these health problems are common, persistent and related health problems in stroke patients and nursing home residents that urge for more awareness and an integrated care approach.

These findings endorse the need for frequent and structures screening and diagnosis of these health problems. Furthermore, continuous improvements of dysphagia care, oral health care and tailored nutritional support in patients in various healthcare institutions is needed. A step in the right direction has been taken when the Dormant Triad of malnutrition, dysphagia and poor oral health has been brought to a final sleep in the future. 

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