Presbyphagia: Dysphagia in the elderly

World J Clin Cases. 2023 Apr 16;11(11):2363-2373. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i11.2363.

Abstract

Dysphagia has been classified as a "geriatric syndrome" and can lead to serious complications that result in a tremendous burden on population health and healthcare resources worldwide. A characteristic age-related change in swallowing is defined as "presbyphagia." Medical imaging has shown some changes that seriously affect the safety and efficacy of swallowing. However, there is a general lack of awareness of the effects of aging on swallowing function and a belief that these changes are part of normal aging. Our review provides an overview of presbyphagia, which has been a neglected health problem for a long time. Attention and awareness of dysphagia in the elderly population should be strengthened, and targeted intervention measures should be actively implemented.

Keywords: Aging; Dysphagia; Geriatric syndromes; Presbyphagia; Swallowing.

Publication types

  • Review