what causes difficulty swallowing in elderly
Swallowing Problems in the Elderly. Swallowing Problems in the Elderly Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images. Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, are caused by a number of problems and are quite prevalent in the elderly. Swallowing problems in the elderly can result from gastrointestinal reflux disease, problems in the stomach with digestion and esophageal cancer. Neurological diseases that plague the elderly such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's also can cause swallowing problems.