Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is 'True'; xerostomia, or dry mouth, hinders the process of chewing and swallowing by reducing saliva production, which is essential for these activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Xerostomia is a side effect of many medications and can make chewing and swallowing more difficult.” The answer to this statement is a) True. Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. This condition can indeed make chewing and swallowing more challenging, as saliva plays a crucial role in both processes. Saliva helps to moisten and break down food, making it easier to swallow, and it also begins the process of chemical digestion in the mouth.
As we age, changes in the digestive system, such as a decrease in saliva production, can further complicate these issues. For example, aging can lead to less sensitive taste buds, reduced strength and tone of muscular tissue in the digestive tract, and slower neurosensory feedback, which can all impact digestion and the overall experience of eating.