[Swallowing disorders in the elderly].

Swallowing disorders in the elderly. Swallowing disorders are a common problem in the elderly with severe consequences in multiple cases. At the current time these disorders are poorly understood and under-diagnosed. Although physiological aging is accompanied by changes in the process of swallowing resulting in an increase of the occurrence of aspiration, these changes are not responsible for a swallowing disorder. There are multiple aetiologies specific for the elderly and, in some cases, may be treatable when systematic screening is imposed. This one is based on medical history and a physical examination. Then the diagnosis can be confirmed with the videofluoroscopy, the gold standard for swallowing disorders. The management of these disorders is based on preventive measures, education of the patient, his family and of health care professionals and rehabilitation.