Swallowing Related Muscular and Oral Health Characteristics Associated with Sarcopenic Dysphagia in Older Adults: A Cross Sectional Observational Study

Background Sarcopenic dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing that results from age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. With population aging, sarcopenic dysphagia has emerged as a major health concern due to its links with poor nutrition, aspiration, and mortality. Methods This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the risk of sarcopenic dysphagia in healthy community-dwelling older adults and to analyze its association with myophysiological factors related to swallowing function as well as oral health factors. A total of 113 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older were classified into no, possible, and probable sarcopenic dysphagia groups based on a diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenic dysphagia. Orofacial muscle strength, tongue and masseter thicknesses, and maximum occlusal force were measured. Dysphagia severity, oral health-related quality of life (QOL), and oral mucosal moisture were assessed. Results Approximately 47% of healthy older adults in the community were at risk of sarcopenic dysphagia (possible risk = 22.1%, probable risk = 25.7%). The logistic regression model, adjusted for sociodemographic factors, revealed that decreases in tongue strength (OR = 0.494, 95%CI = 0.293–0.833) and thickness (OR = 0.588, 95%CI = 0.423–0.818), buccinator strength (OR = 0.846, 95%CI = 0.717–0.969), oral mucosal moisture (OR = 0.508, 95% CI = 0.369-0.700), and oral health-related QOL (OR = 1.190, 95%CI = 1.094–1.294) were identified as major factors associated with the risk of sarcopenic dysphagia. Conclusion Nearly half of healthy community-dwelling older adults were at risk of sarcopenic dysphagia. Tongue strength and thickness, buccinator strength, oral mucosal moisture, and oral health-related QOL were key factors. Comprehensive screening of localized oral muscles and oral health indicators may aid in early detection.