Effects of aging on the oral phase of deglutition

Abstract

Swallowing is a highly complex activity that requires the sensorimotor integration and coordination of multiple anatomic structures, muscles, nerves and the brain. All of these functional components go through healthy chronologically-related anatomical and physiological changes as people age. The present chapter aims to focus on the aging changes that occur in primarily, but not solely, oral components of the swallowing process, highlighting the crucial role of the oral cavity in the initial stages of the swallowing mechanism and process. The oral components of normal deglutition are described in detail followed by a comprehensive summary of all the known motor, taste, sensory and neural changes affecting the oral swallow in healthy elders. Although these changes appear to be modest and to occur slowly and insidiously in most elders, at times they may signify reductions in the swallowing functional reserve capacity and endurance, increasing their vulnerability to dysphagia and airway invasion secondary to disease and environmental complications. Understanding these changes and their underlying peripheral and central mechanisms is necessary in finding solutions to treat and even prevent certain conditions.