[Oropharyngeal dysphagia as a neurogeriatric syndrome]

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common geriatric syndrome associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, functional decline and mortality.

Presentation of the neurogeriatric syndromology of dysphagia by integrating disease-specific neurological and transdiagnostic geriatric aspects, including diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

A literature review and analysis of current clinical guidelines were conducted.

Dysphagia presents as a multietiological syndrome with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes identifiable by instrumental assessment, particularly flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Besides disease-specific neurological mechanisms, transdiagnostic factors, such as presbyphagia with reduced pharyngeal sensation, sarcopenia and decreased neuroplasticity play a crucial role. Multimodal therapeutic approaches have proven to be effective. In various neurological disorders, disease-specific treatment also leads to an improvement in swallowing function. Across different conditions, protective measures (e.g., nutritional therapy and oral hygiene) as well as rehabilitative interventions have been shown to be effective.

Geriatric-specific adapted assessment tools and care pathways are required to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.