Sarcopenic Dysphagia. A Narrative Review

Abstract

Sarcopenic dysphagia is described as difficulty swallowing due to generalized sarcopenia of skeletal muscles and thus swallowing muscles. It is a recently recognized condition. It draws attention due to its important complications.The risk factors of dysphagia include age, history of clinical disease, and physical frailty, including reduced activities of daily living. It is a common syndrome among the elderly and demands multidisciplinary therapeutic interventions, including nutritional support and rehabilitation programs, which are non-invasive but effective methods, mandatory for the best outcome. The prevention, assessment, and intervention methods for sarcopenic dysphagia are very important. Recent studies demonstrate that new concepts in rehabilitation and nutritional support render promising results.

Rehabilitation of patients after COVID-19 recovery: An experience at the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Institute and Lucy Montoro Rehabilitation Institute

“…Lack of coordination between breathing and swallowing, trauma to the oropharynx and larynx, muscle weakness, laryngeal sensory deficits, and gastroesophageal reflux are possible causes of post-ICU dysphagia (33). In addition, sarcopenia and dysphagia are associated complications, as atrophy and weakness of the skeletal muscles of the head and neck may interfere with the mechanics of chewing and swallowing (34). In this case, the modified-consistency diet commonly prescribed for the management of dysphagia may not provide the appropriate energy and protein intake, predisposing to, or intensifying sarcopenia.…”

Obesity, malnutrition, and trace element deficiency in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: An overview

“…In a critical care setting with endotracheal intubation required for mechanical ventilation, as many as 62% of patients develop post-extubation dysphagia due to tongue weakness and tube-related oropharyngeal mucosal inflammation, muscle atrophy, decreased proprioception, and laryngeal injury. Thus, post-extubation dysphagia could severely limit resumption of oral feeding [207] , [208] , [209] , [210] , [211] , promoting undernutrition [212] and sarcopenia of the muscles used for swallowing, and further worsening dysphagia through a vicious cycle (sarcopenic dysphagia) [213] , [214] , [215] , [216] . Notably, >3.2% of patients with COVID-19 required intubation [217] .…”

Sarcopenic Dysphagia: A Narrative Review from Diagnosis to Intervention

“…Dysphagia is defined as difficulty in eating and swallowing [16], presenting with impaired or prolonged transit of food or liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus [17]. It commonly ensues as a consequence of diseases like esophageal cancer, stroke, and Parkinson's disease [18].…”