Investigation of Pharyngeal Swallow Function of Healthy Older Adults Using Visual Analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety Scale

To assess the pharyngeal swallow function of older adults in terms of safety and efficiency using the VASES scale. Twenty healthy individuals aged 60–80 years were included. They were evaluated using the EAT-10 K and VVST, followed by the FEES assessment. VASES was used to assess the residue in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, Epiglottis, Laryngeal vestibule, Vocal folds, and Sub glottis, and the aspiration and penetration during swallowing. Residue was present in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, epiglottis, and laryngeal vestibule for 95%, 85%, 45%, and 15% of the swallowing trials. The median residue amount was found to be 2% in the oropharynx and 1% in the hypopharynx. 70% of swallows yielded a score of PAS score of 1, followed by PAS 3 for 20% and PAS 2 for 10%. VASES facilitated the quantification of the residue across anatomical sites. Older adults did have compromised swallow safety and efficiency.