Clinical assessment of dysphagia in neurodegeneration (CADN): reliability and validity

Abstract

Background and aims: Progressive neurological disease typically results in swallowing deficits (dysphagia). Current tools used to assess dysphagia are often unstandardized, qualitative or do not cover aspects beyond ability to swallow water. The CADN was developed to provide a quantitative method for describing and monitoring dysphagia in neurodegenerative disease. Methods: Assessment items were selected for their utility, validity and reliability based on clinical expertise and consideration of existing tools. 138 (predominately PD, but including hereditary ataxia) patients were assessed using CADN by two raters blinded to diagnosis. Additional outcome measures included a reference assessm..