Impact of Probiotics on Oral Microbiota in Older Adults With Dysphagia
Dysphagia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Dysphagia focused on measuring probiotics, oral microbiome, dysphagia
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- 65 years of age or older
- Dysphagia diagnosis based on videofluoroscopic swallow study with observed airway invasion (Penetration-Aspiration Scale score of 3 or higher)
- Ability to provide consent
- Ability to submit oral samples
- Ability to swallow sachet of probiotic (dissolved in thickened liquid, as needed)
- Ability to return to UWHC for week 2 and week 4 visits.
Exclusion Criteria
- Currently taking antibiotics or probiotics
- Actively receiving immunosuppressive therapy
- Non-oral feeding with inability to swallow probiotic
- diagnosis of head and neck cancer or upper airway disease
- prior surgery to the head and neck region that would have affected the muscles of swallowing or the salivary glands
- history of chemotherapy or radiation to the head and neck region
- severe periodontal disease.
- currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Sites / Locations
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Probiotic
The treatment will consist of VSL#3, 3 grams (g), taken orally once a day for 4 weeks. The VSL#3 will be delivered in the form of a sachet of freeze-dried powder. Participants will be instructed to mix the sachets with water to consume. Those participants taking thickened liquids will mix the sachet with liquids thickened to the level (nectar versus honey) prescribed by their clinician. In order to facilitate delivery of the probiotic solution throughout the oral cavity, participants will be instructed to swish the solution in the mouth for up to 10 seconds (as tolerated) prior to each swallow.