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 |
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