Predictors of malnutrition risk in neurodegenerative diseases: The role of swallowing function.

Prolonged oral phase and signs of impaired swallowing safety during meals, together with older age and disease severity, are independent predictors of malnutrition risk in neurodegenerative diseases. This study broadens the focus on dysphagia, stressing the importance of early detection not only of pharyngeal signs, but also of oral phase impairment and meal difficulties through a multidimensional swallowing assessment.