External visual aids, paired with additional modalities, have been examined as compensatory strategies in individuals with dementia and dysphagia (Benigas & Bourgeois, 2016; Bourgeois et al., 2003). There is currently a lack of evidence that assesses the effectiveness of a single visual aid in using compensatory strategies in individuals with dementia and dysphagia. This investigation used an A-B-A design to examine the effect of a visual aid; specifically, Strat Mats©, on the use of compensatory swallow strategy in individuals with dementia and dysphagia. Three participants ranging between 69 and 88 years-old diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia were recruited for this investigation. Participants received six to 24 sessions. Each participant received three sessions in the baseline phase, three to 18 sessions in the intervention phase, and three sessions in the withdrawal phase (Participant B and C only). Participant A was dismissed from the study after the third session in the intervention phase due to dismissal criteria reached (not referring to the Strat Mat within 10 minutes). Participant B met the intervention phase criterion after four sessions by producing lingual sweeps in three consecutive trials across three consecutive sessions. Participant C met the criteria after 18 sessions. Participants B and C had three sessions in the withdrawal phase and demonstrated a positive therapeutic response. The results of this investigation suggest that an external memory aid, such as a Strat Mat, may be an effective use of compensatory strategies in individuals with dementia and dysphagia. Further research is warranted to continue to find supporting evidence on the use of external visuals aids in dysphagia intervention.
Keywords: dementia, dysphagia, Strat Masts, compensatory swallow strategy, external visual aid
