Chronic Microaspiration and Frailty: A Geriatric Smoking Gun?

Jonathan T Stewart1, Vandan D Kamath1, Alejandro V Jaen-Vinuales1

  • 1is a Staff Geropsychiatrist, V is a Staff Speech and Language Pathologist, is a Staff Geriatrician, and is the Medical Director, Community Living Center, all at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Jonathan Stewart is a Professor in Psychiatry and Geriatric Medicine, Alejandro Jaen-Vinuales is an Assistant Professor in Geriatric Medicine, and Inna Sheyner is an Associate Professor in Geriatric Medicine, all at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa.

Summary

Chronic microaspiration, a condition where tiny amounts of substances are inhaled, and diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis may explain frailty in nursing home residents. This research highlights potential causes for unexplained weakness in this vulnerable population.

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