The impact of motor function deterioration on swallowing function in older adults: a narrative review.

Abstract

Similar to motor function, swallowing function declines with age. Dysphagia in older adults has detrimental effects, including an increased risk of pneumonia and mortality, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention at the community level. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the relationship between motor and swallowing functions in older adults through a narrative review, including existing limitations, with the goal of contributing to the early detection of dysphagia and the development of treatment strategies.Regarding the relationship between swallowing and whole-body skeletal muscle strength, associations between swallowing or tongue pressure and grip strength have been reported. A relationship between tongue pressure and respiratory muscles has been hypothesized, given the association between tongue pressure and walking function, which focuses on age-related changes in neural function, and the fact that certain swallowing-related muscles contract in coordination with respiratory movements.Detailed assessment of research, such as endoscopic swallowing studies, and verification of causal relationships through intervention and longitudinal studies are expected to contribute to the early detection and treatment of dysphagia.