Aging

Question 1

What is old swallow defined as?

Answer 1

Presbyglutiton

Question 2

What commonly happens with swallowing as you get older?

Answer 2

The swallowing process gets slower

Question 3

What happens to the larynx as you get older?

Answer 3

Reduced motor firing rate
Atrophy and loss of muscle fiber
Ossification of cartilage
Reduced sensation in the pharynx and larynx

Question 4

What can you do to find the muscle that needs to be strengthened?

Answer 4

Do oral motor exercises

Question 5

Name 6 changes that occur in normal aging

Answer 5

1. Reduced duration of UES opening and INCREASED duration of oralpharyngeal movement and bolus transit time
2. Reduction in tongue pressure (but good enough for swallowing)
3. Diminished reserve
4. Swallow triggered at a later time (valleculae for solids/past Ramus for liquids)
5. Increased swallowing to clear food in oral cavity
6. Reduced swallowing capacity; more coughing than younger people

Question 6

What problems are not associated with typical age-related changes?

Answer 6

Choking
Aspirating
Maintaining weight

Question 7

What can negatively affect older adults swallowing?

Answer 7

Oral health.
Chronic dry mouth
Impaired dentition 
Medications (xerostomia) 
Poor oral hygiene (can affect taste) 

Cognitive factors.
Can interfere with “anticipatory stage”

Question 8

When do you refer older adults?

Answer 8

When they TAKE A LONG TIME TO EAT (most common problem); make sure it isn’t related to motor, alertness
Complaints of difficulty chewing, eating, swallowing
When they avoid food
Coughing/choking when eating drinking

Question 9

When do we begin to see age related changes?

Answer 9

Changes can occur as early as 45