Abstract
This study examined the effect of aging on the mechanisms of swallowing by comparing 16 elderly subjects (80 years±5) with 20 healthy volunteers. Manofluorography was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data of the pharyngeal swallow. Aging is associated with a significant decrease in the level of negative pressure resulting from the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter and with a substantial number of incomplete relaxations of the sphincter. In addition, several qualitative changes were noted.
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Dejaeger, E., Pelemans, W., Bibau, G. et al. Manofluorographic analysis of swallowing in the elderly. Dysphagia 9, 156–161 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00341259
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00341259