Dysphagia in the elderly

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2008 Nov;19(4):853-66, ix-x. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2008.06.002.

Abstract

The capacity to swallow or eat is a basic human need and can be a great pleasure. Older adults look forward to sharing mealtimes and participating in social interactions. The loss of capacity to swallow and dine can have far-reaching implications. With age, the ability to swallow undergoes changes that increase the risk for disordered swallowing, with devastating health implications for older adults. With the growth in the aging population, dysphagia is becoming a national health care burden and concern. Upward of 40% of people in institutionalized settings are dysphagic. There is a need to address dysphagia in ambulatory, acute care, and long-term care settings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Deglutition Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / therapy
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • United States / epidemiology