Using party horns to test respiratory function in patients with dementia.

Abstract

This study assessed the utility of party horns for quick, simple respiratory function testing in 66 inpatients with dementia to maintain safe eating activity. Relationships of forced vital capacity (FVC) to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and complete extension when blowing 40- and 80-cm party horns were examined. The FVC differed significantly by both MMSE score (P = .000) and party horn score (P = .000). Significant differences in FVC were found between groups categorized by MMSE score and in groups categorized by the ability to extend both party horns. Multiple regression analyses performed on possible FVC indicators identified a significant correlation for the party horn examination (regression coefficient: .562). Breathing is always coordinated with swallowing. Party horns seem highly effective as a simple tool for testing respiratory function in patients with early-stage dementia, and the ability to offer breathing rehabilitation for patients in need is likely to result in safer eating activity.