Abstract

Objective: Evaluate and correlate the characteristics of swallowing and the body mass index (BMI) of institutionalized elderly individuals and older adults.

Method: Cross-sectional study, composed of 58 institutionalized (GI) and noninstitutionalized individuals (GII) who fed orally, aged over 60, sex and age matched. They were submitted to functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and classified according to BMI as underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese. Individuals with stroke sequelae, antecedents of head and neck surgery and radiotherapy were excluded.

Results: Nineteen females and 10 males, 61-96 years (average 79). FEES findings: GI: food stasis in 19 individuals (65.5%), laryngeal penetration in 4 (13.7%), aspiration in 2 (6.8%), and penetration and aspiration in 2 (6.8%). Oropharyngeal dysphagia was present in 19 individuals (65.5%). The BMI was evaluated and 13.7% were classified as underweight, 48.2% as overweight or obese and 37.9% as healthy weight. GII: food stasis in 12 individuals (41.3%), laryngeal penetration in 2 (6.8%), no aspiration. Oropharyngeal dysphagia was present in 12 individuals (41.3%). The BMI evaluation was 3.4% as underweight, 51.7% as overweight or obese and 44.8% as healthy weight. No statistic diference was observed between groups considering dysphagia and BMI (chi-square test, Fisher test).

Conclusion: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is highly prevalent in institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly individuals. We did not find any association between the findings suggestive of dysphagia by FEES and the group classified as underweight.

We emphasize that this population has a higher incidence of dysphagia and we suggest the need for other studies with a larger population to better categorize dysphagia and its possible association with weight loss and its sequelae.

Keywords: Presbyphagia; Dysphagia; Swallowing disorders; Older adults; Fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing; Body mass index; Nutritional assessment; Homes for the aged