Dysphagia in the Aging Population

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2024 Aug;57(4):685-693. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.03.006. Epub 2024 May 27.

Abstract

Older adults are projected to outnumber children aged under 18 years for the first time in United States history by 2034, according to Census Bureau projections. This will lead to significant increase in age-related disorders. One of the most important disorders that will increase in prevalence is dysphagia, as it leads to malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and death. In this article, the physiology of dysphagia in the elderly, as well as the management options is discussed.

Keywords: Dysphagia; Elderly; Geriatric; Presbyphagia; Swallowing disorder.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • United States / epidemiology