Table 9 - Aging-related changes and swallowing
From the following article
How to perform video-fluoroscopic swallowing studies
Gary D. Gramigna
GI Motility online (2006)
doi:10.1038/gimo95
Aging is accompanied by many subtle changes in swallowing function. In otherwise healthy subjects over 85 years, the following changes are observed: |
Tongue muscle atrophy, which leads to reduced lingual propulsion |
Hardening of flexible cartilages and age-related ossification |
Sagging of the larynx (laryngoptosis) |
Transit times are increased (delayed) |
Residue increased |
UES opening reduced |
Timing of swallow response delayed (though not beyond norm of 1 second) |
Frequent penetration into the airway but it is never beyond the vocal cords, and aspiration is never normal |
Reduced sensations |
Reduced cough reflex dysphagia and aspiration is never due to normal aging |