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Swallowing dysfunction in healthy older people using pharyngeal pressure-flow analysis
1Gastroenterology Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia; School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|September 10, 2013
Summary
Ageing significantly impacts swallowing function, with notable declines after 80 years. Pharyngeal pressure-flow analysis quantifies age-related changes and aspiration risk using the swallow risk index (SRI).
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- Age-related swallowing difficulties are multifactorial and challenging to assess objectively.
- Pharyngeal pressure-flow analysis offers a novel method to quantify swallowing dysfunction and aspiration risk via a swallow risk index (SRI).
- This study investigates the specific effects of aging on swallow function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of aging on the functional aspects of swallowing.
- To utilize pharyngeal pressure-flow analysis to identify age-related changes in swallow physiology.
- To assess the correlation between age and the swallow risk index (SRI).
Main Methods:
- 68 healthy subjects (20-91 years) were studied, asymptomatic for oropharyngeal disease.
- Liquid and viscous bolus swallows were recorded using a pressure-impedance catheter.
- Swallow function indices, including SRI, postswallow residues, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, and bolus transit time, were analyzed with specialized software.
Main Results:
- Swallowing function significantly declined in individuals over 80 years.
- A higher SRI correlated positively with increasing age for both liquid and viscous boluses.
- Older subjects exhibited reduced UES opening and increased postswallow residues, with those over 80 overrepresented in high SRI categories.
Conclusions:
- Pharyngeal pressure-flow analysis identifies multiple functional abnormalities associated with aging.
- Elevated SRI in asymptomatic elders may indicate a reduced functional reserve due to aging.
- Automated impedance manometry provides a quantitative method to assess swallowing function and associated risks in aging populations.
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