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Swallowing disorders can occur in all age groups, resulting from congenital abnormalities, structural damage, and/or medical conditions. [11] Swallowing problems are a common complaint among older individuals, and the incidence of dysphagia is higher in the elderly, [33] [34] and in patients who have had strokes. [35]
Accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways is the cause. [2] Those who are dying may lose their ability to swallow and may have increased production of bronchial secretions, resulting in such an accumulation. [ 3 ]
Tea and toast syndrome is a form of malnutrition commonly experienced by elderly people who cannot prepare meals and tend to themselves. The term is not intrinsic to tea or bread products only; rather, it describes limited dietary patterns that lead to reduced calories resulting in a deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients.
The main symptoms of achalasia are dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain behind the sternum, and weight loss. [13] Dysphagia tends to become progressively worse over time and to involve both fluids and solids. Some people may also experience coughing when lying in a horizontal position.
Impaired swallowing: Conditions that cause dysphagia worsen the ability of people to swallow, causing an increased risk of entry of particles from the stomach or mouth into the airways. While swallowing dysfunction is associated with aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia may not be sufficient unless other risk factors are present. [ 4 ]
A study led by Mayo Clinic found a “widening gap between lifespan and healthspan" among 183 countries. The lead researcher and another doctor discuss the drivers of poor health late in life.
Here's how to distinguish "sundowning"—agitation or confusion later in the day in dementia patients—from typical aging, from doctors who treat older adults.
Stroke – swallowing problems can cause stroke victims to aspirate food or liquid into the lungs and cause pneumonia mostly in elderly people. Parkinson's disease – the mechanism of swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease may be related to extrapyramidal and autonomic system disorders.