Presbyphagia: Dysphagia in the elderly

Core Tip

Core Tip: Dysphagia in older people is unfortunately considered a part of aging. Many factors contribute, such as decreased cognitive function, loss of teeth, reduced muscle strength, decreased taste and olfaction, altered salivary secretion, impaired cough and swallowing reflexes, altered hyoid bone and larynx position, reduced laryngeal adductor reflex, decreased tongue root retraction, incomplete esophageal sphincter opening, reduced pharyngeal constriction and sensation, reduced breathing and swallowing coordination, and decreased esophageal motility. Several may be amenable to therapeutic strategies, including rehabilitation, to improve, and even restore swallowing function at the anatomical and physiological levels. Improved screening, clinical assessment, and diagnostic procedures are needed.