Dysphagia in Inclusion Body Myositis, A Disease of the Elderly

Abstract

Inclusion body myositis is one of the most common acquired myopathies seen in the aging population. The muscle weakness is of insidious onset, frequently starting in the legs, but over time gradually progresses to eventually involve all skeletal muscles of the limbs, face, swallowing and respiratory muscles, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Complications resulting from dysphagia are the leading cause of poor quality of life and mortality, while highly prevalent, are still underappreciated and underrecognized. This review highlights the importance of understanding the urgent need for recognizing and improving the evaluation, outcome measures and therapeutic options of dysphagia in inclusion body myositis patients.