Introduction. The problem of dysphagia is often observed among the elderly, which is associated with a deterioration in swallowing function as they age. The leading reason for this is the increase in the phenomena of sarcopenia. The purpose of the study. To form a concept of diagnostic methods for the effective detection of sarcopenic dysphagia based on the literature data obtained. Materials and methods. This work uses data from objective sources, including information about complaints and anamnesis of elderly and senile patients, analyzed on the basis of outpatient polyclinic charts, medical histories compiled in various hospitals, including palliative and nursing departments. Literary data of scientific articles published in journals and textbooks, as well as information from Internet resources are also used. The main set of data was obtained during participation in conferences devoted to the problems of gerontology. Results. A set of scales, questionnaires and functional tests have been collected that allow for timely early diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia at the outpatient stage of medical care to assist in the differential diagnosis of the causes of swallowing disorders and the development of an individual treatment and rehabilitation program for an elderly patient. Conclusions. Timely and accurate detection of sarcopenia becomes a key factor in the early diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia. The instruments listed in the paper play an important role in assessing various aspects of swallowing in patients with sarcopenia.