New research highlights the connection between dysphagia and chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety
(Innsbruck, 09.12.2024) Approximately one-quarter of acute stroke patients suffer from swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. These patients face significant challenges in transferring food or liquids into the oesophagus and often choke. If food particles enter the trachea, this can lead to additional risks such as pneumonia or even suffocation.
What are the psychological effects of swallowing difficulties on stroke patients? This question has been the focus of the stroke research centre VASCage in collaboration with the department of neurology at the Medical University of Innsbruck. They particularly examined chronic fatigue, a psychological phenomenon that has been underexplored in this context. Chronic fatigue is a severe burden for those affected: they feel profoundly drained and cannot regain energy even after rest.
As shown in a recent publication in the European Journal of Neurology, swallowing difficulties are a significant risk factor for developing post-stroke fatigue. While around 50% of all stroke patients suffer from chronic fatigue, the proportion rises to over 80% among individuals with impaired swallowing, depending on the severity of their dysphagia.
“What makes our study unique is its large sample size of nearly 900 participants, which makes the findings highly representative. We were able to clearly demonstrate the link between swallowing difficulties and fatigue,” explains neurologist Anel Karisik, the study’s lead author. “This association was evident even when accounting for the severity of the stroke or disability level, both of which are common risk factors for fatigue.”
In a previous study, the stroke researchers at VASCage and the Medical University of Innsbruck similarly demonstrated an independent link between dysphagia and the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. A similar pattern emerged: anxiety and depression were more prevalent among those with swallowing difficulties. Moreover, patients with dysphagia were four times more likely to require antidepressants.
Simon Sollereder and other scientists from the VASCage rehabilitation team are now working with research and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for better management of swallowing difficulties. For example, in collaboration with BOKU University in Vienna and other partners, they are standardising and optimising the physical consistency of therapeutic diets. The goal is to enable dysphagia patients to enjoy eating more. The hope is that restoring the pleasure of eating will also improve quality of life and mental well-being.
Another research project, conducted in partnership with g.tec medical engineering GmbH Austria, aims to utilise brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. This involves measuring brain waves via an EEG cap, displaying them on a computer screen, and using them to trigger electrical stimulation of the affected muscles. The project’s objective is to adapt this approach from hand motor control to swallowing motor functions. Such tailored biofeedback methods could help patients train their swallowing muscles, making it easier for them to consume food.
“The latest research findings demonstrate the importance of our holistic research approach at VASCage,” says Matthias Ullrich, CEO of VASCage. “We prioritise the needs of patients and their families, making both the psychological burdens and swallowing difficulties after a stroke key research topics. Together with our partners, we are intensively pursuing innovative solutions to make life after a stroke easier.”
- Dysphagia increases the risk of post-stroke fatigue Karisik A, Moelgg K, Buergi L, et al.. Eur J Neurol. 2025; 32:e16570. doi:10.1111/ene.16570. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ene.16570
- Association between dyshagia and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Karisik A, Dejakum B, Moelgg K, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38308469/
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Contact:
Dr. Anel Karisik, VASCage researcher and neurologist at the Medical University of Innsbruck ; anel.karisik@i-med.ac.at
Simon Sollereder, dysphagia expert at VASCage simon.sollereder@vascage.at +43 664 1004838
Carola Hanisch, Public Relations VASCage, +43 664 8810 5842, carola.hanisch@vascage.at
Funding body
The COMET center VASCage is funded within the framework of COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies by BMK, BMAW, Tirol, Salzburg and Vienna. The COMET program is managed by the FFG. https://www.ffg.at/comet
Link to STROKE CARD REGISTRY Study https://vascage-clinicaltrials.at/stroke-card-registry/
