ASCEND 2026 (Amrita Scientific Conference on Evidence-Based Nutrition and Dysphagia Care), a national conference focusing on evidence-based nutritional therapy and comprehensive care for swallowing disorders (dysphagia), was held at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. The three-day conference, held from August 14 to 16, was jointly organised by the Departments of Clinical Nutrition and Deglutology (Head and Neck Surgery) at Amrita Hospital.
Held under the theme “Nourish to Swallow,” the conference discussed emerging treatment methods and scientific approaches in nutrition, swallowing disorders and patient care. Doctors, deglutologists, dietitians, physiatrists, speech-language pathologists, researchers and students from various disciplines participated in the conference.
The conference began with a pre-conference workshop on August 14. This was followed by expert lectures, panel discussions, case studies, and research paper and poster presentations on nutritional care and dysphagia management in areas including oncology, geriatrics and paediatrics.
Renowned laryngologist Dr. Jayakumar R. Menon inaugurated the conference. During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at Amrita Hospital, delivered a message on “Advancing Multidisciplinary Dysphagia Care.” Dr. Nivedita Pavithran, Head of the Department of Clinical Nutrition, presented the objectives and vision of the conference.
The conference highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach involving multiple medical disciplines to improve patients’ nutritional status and swallowing ability. The organisers stated that the conference aimed to promote greater emphasis on patient-centred, evidence-based nutrition and dysphagia care.
