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Age-related changes in pharyngeal and supraglottic sensation
J E Aviv1, J H Martin, M E Jones
1Department of Otolaryngology, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, New York.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Aging reduces sensory discrimination in the throat, potentially increasing risks of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and aspiration. This study found decreased pharyngeal and supraglottic sensitivity in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Oral sensory discrimination declines with age, increasing risks of dysphagia and aspiration.
- The existence and impact of age-related laryngeal and pharyngeal sensory changes remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in sensory discrimination within the superior laryngeal nerve's innervation area.
- To determine if diminished pharyngeal and supraglottic sensitivity contributes to dysphagia and aspiration in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel device delivering brief air pulse stimulation to the anterior pyriform sinus.
- Conducted 672 trials across 56 healthy adults stratified into three age groups: 20-40, 41-60, and 61-90 years.
- Measured sensory discrimination thresholds in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Main Results:
- Overall average sensory discrimination was 2.30 +/- 0.50 mm Hg.
- Younger adults (20-40 years) showed better discrimination (2.07 +/- 0.20 mm Hg) compared to older adults (61-90 years) (2.68 +/- 0.63 mm Hg, p < .05).
- A significant difference was also observed between the 41-60 and 61-90 year age groups (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Pharyngeal and supraglottic sensitivity significantly diminishes with advancing age.
- This age-related sensory decline may be a contributing factor to the increased prevalence of dysphagia and aspiration in the elderly.
- Highlights the importance of assessing laryngeal and pharyngeal sensation in geriatric populations.