Another important group of patients who develop swallowing dysfunctions are older adults with progressive loss of cognitive functions such as patients with Alzheimer's disease. This type of disease is accompanied by difficulty swallowing that has been associated with increased mortality due to respiratory complications that are potentially preventable if dysphagia is recognized early so that appropriate strategies for treatment can be used.
Otro grupo importante que desarrolla trastornos de la deglución son aquellos adultos mayores con pérdida progresiva de las funciones cognitivas como es el caso de pacientes con demencia tipo Alzheimer, en donde la enfermedad se acompaña de complicaciones respiratorias que son potencialmente evitables, si la disfagia es reconocida precozmente y se trata adecuadamente.