[Orophagyngeal Dysphagia in Older Persons - Evaluation and Therapeutic Options].

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older persons is high. Because it is frequently undetected, screening tests should be applied in risk groups. If the screening test is positive or typical risk factors are present, an instrumental assessment should be utilized. Objective diagnostic tools such as endoscopic evaluation and videofluoroscopy allow the description of the individual dysphagia pattern, which is the basis for an individualized treatment. The endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is increasingly used because it includes several advantages. Potential therapeutic strategies are multifaceted. The evidence for the effectiveness of adaptive, compensatory and rehabilitative strategies is growing, supporting the evolution of dysphagia therapy to an evidence based treatment.
Competing Interests: Rainer Wirth hat Honorare für Vortragstätigkeiten und/oder Beratungen von folgenden Firmen erhalten: Nutricia, B.Braun, Fresenius kabi, Nestle, Infectopharm und apetito.Gero Lueg hat keine potentiellen Interessenskonflikte.Rainer Dziewas hat Honorare für Vortragstätigkeiten und/oder Beratungen von folgenden Firmen erhalten: Nutricia, Fresenius kabi, Nestle, Infectopharm.
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