Ricerc@Sapienza

The anatomical, physiological and functional changes that contribute to alterations in swallowing as part of “aging” are called presbyphagia, and involve natural diminish- ment of functional reserve. These progressive alterations put older adults at risk for dys- phagia with an increased incidence of penetration and aspiration during swallowing leading to dangerous complications. The prevalence of dysphagia goes from 30% in in- dependently living older people, to 60% in institutionalized patients. Oropharyngeal dys- phagia is considered a ‘‘geriatric syndrome’’ given its high prevalence, increased mor- bidity, common risk factors, and interaction with other geriatric syndromes. A multidisci- plinary approach should be employed, including otolaryngologists, neurologists, gas- troenterologists, dietitians, speech and language pathologists with the aim to detect older people at risk for dysphagia to set up an appropriate therapeutic plan..