Dysphagia and Beyond: A Case Report

Abstract

Aims: Swallowing is a complex mechanism subjected to functional changes with aging, which may result either in compensatory mechanisms associated to healthy aging (presbyphagia) or to pathogenetic trajectories leading to dysphagia. Little is known on the multifactorial origin of dysphagia in older adults, especially in patients affected by frailty or pre frail status as well as the lack of effective therapeutic options too frequently inform ageist approaches on this true geriatric syndrome. Presentation of Case: We report a clinical case, dealing with a misdiagnosis of dysphagia, showing symptoms in an uncommon and striking clinical way, as a denture inadvertent swallowing during breakfast with mixed consistency food. Discussion: The case highlighted the pivotal role of a comprehensive and timely assessment of dysphagia in geriatrics and the growing need of knowledge sharing and training for professionals involved in the care of elderly, especially in Nursing Home. Conclusion: Adaptive techniques including dietary changes-avoiding, strengthening dysphagia and adequate dietary intake represent the basic principle of dysphagia rehabilitation and may be act efficiently by all the professionals in geriatrics, outweighing as well that imperfect swallowing may be hazardous due to the danger of acute complications such as aspiration and inhalation pneumonia and to the long-term consequences like malnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, disability and enhanced mortality.