Common conditions made complex: dysphagia

People with learning disabilities are dying, on average, 22 years younger than the general population, according to the latest LeDeR report.1 The reasons behind this are complex, but it is estimated that roughly half (49%) the deaths recorded in the 2021 report were avoidable.1 The five most frequently reported long-term health conditions for people who died in 2021 and received an initial review were: epilepsy (33%), cardiovascular conditions (33%), mental health conditions (32%), sensory impairment (25%), and dysphagia (23%).1 Dysphagia – the medical term for swallowing difficulties – is therefore a common condition experienced by people with learning disabilities. But