Communication disorders in the elderly

Abstract The percentage of elderly individuals in the general population is increasing because of rising average life expectancy. Elderly people today enjoy much more active and more communicative lives than previous generations. However, due to age related changes and the increasing prevalence of diseases affecting phonation, articulation, respiration, speech, deglutition and their neurological regulation mechanisms – dysphonia, dysarthria, aphasia/dysphasia and dysphagia, they are becoming more frequent in this population group. These communication disorders can cause social isolation, anxiety and depression. Patients and family members alike suffer from the negative impact these disorders have on communication and quality of life. The prevalence of age related voice problems in the elderly is reported to be as high as 20–47%, for speech and/or language problems 70–75%, and up to 40% for dysphagia. There is a growing need for effective therapeutic approaches to communication disorders in the elderly. Physiological age related changes, the causes of communication disorders in the elderly, their impact on daily life, and rehabilitative options are presented.