Dysphagia and swallowing disorders among old persons

Dysphagia is a common problem encountered among old persons, especially in nursing homes or during hospitalizations. Swallowing disorders have a potential negative clinical impact on the health status and quality of life of this population. However, dysphagia often remains under-diagnosed leading to a delay in implementing preventive measures. The aim of this article is to provide geriatric caregivers with information to better recognize this clinical sign, and to improve their knowledge about age-related physiological changes of swallowing, and required preventive measures. This article is a summary of a meeting organized at the teaching hospital CHU Mont-Godinne-Dinant, UCL, Belgium, the 15th May 2012 on swallowing disorders among old persons.