Age-Related Alterations in Swallowing in Healthy Aged Rodents: A Systematic Review

Age-related decline in swallowing function is increasingly recognized as a clinical concern in aging populations. To better understand the biological mechanisms underlying functional and structural changes associated with normal aging, rodent models provide a controlled experimental platform. This review systematically examined age-related changes in swallowing function in healthy rodents, compared with that of young adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Twenty-nine articles were ultimately included in this review. Age-related alterations in swallowing function in healthy aged rodents were reported in the following categories: contraction properties of tongue muscles, histomorphological and biochemical changes in tongue muscles, swallowing-related cranial sensorimotor system, histological changes in pharyngeal muscles, and swallowing behavioral outcomes. The evidence summarized in this review provides insights into the functional, histological, and behavioral alterations in swallowing in healthy aged rodents compared with those of young adult rodents. These findings enhance the understanding of the biological basis of presbyphagia and support the translational value of rodent models in developing preventive and rehabilitative strategies for age-related dysphagia.