Initial Report of Early Diagnosis of Sarcopenic Dysphagia

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25862079
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Social dentistry
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: UEDA Nami 大阪大学, 歯学部附属病院, 医員 (90635377)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: サルコぺニア / 舌骨 / 運動速度 / 嚥下障害 / 一口量

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Muscle atrophy and associated functional decline with aging (sarcopenia) contributes to alterations in swallowing in healthy older adults. Sarcopenia of the orofacial muscles can cause dysphagia. Malnutrition, a potential result of dysphagia, can also cause sarcopenia. Therefore the early diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia is important. Important components of safe swallowing are the suprahyoid muscles, which help elevate and stabilize the hyoid bone. We evaluated the maximum hyoid velocity during swallowing. The subjects were 10 healthy younger and 10 older women. Lateral projection videofluorography was recorded while each subject swallowed 5 and 20 mL of thin liquid barium in one gulp. The velocity in younger women was significantly higher than that in older women for both the 5 and 20 mL volumes. The decreasing maximum hyoid velocity may be a symptom of sarcopenia.

Free Research Field

摂食嚥下　口腔機能