Relationship between oral function and general condition among Japanese nursing home residents

Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between oral function and general condition among Japanese nursing home residents. The hypothesis was that oral function is one of the most important factors for the maintenance of general condition in dependent elderly. Seventy-nine residents of a nursing home in Japan participated in this study (54 women and 25 men, age range: 65–95 years, mean age: 82.2 ± 8.5). A water drinking test and gargling function were used as indicators of oral function. Indicators of general condition included cognitive function (mini-mental state examination; MMSE), ADL (Barthel index), and nutritional status (body mass index = BMI, and serum albumin level). To clarify the relationship between oral function and general condition among dependent elderly, statistical evaluations of correlations (Spearman rank correlation coefficient) and differences (Mann–Whitney U test, Student's t test) between groups were conducted. SPSS was used for the statistical analysis. The water drinking and gargling function tests showed a strong correlation ( p < 0.001) with cognitive function and ADL. The water drinking and gargling function tests showed a correlation with BMI ( p < 0.005, p < 0.01, respectively), and the water drinking test showed a correlation with serum albumin level ( p < 0.05). However, no correlation was observed between the gargling function tests and serum albumin level. It is concluded that oral function is closely related to cognitive function, ADL, and nutritional status. Oral function may play an important role in maintaining general condition in dependent elderly. To prevent decreases in cognitive function, ADL and nutritional status in dependent elderly, the importance of improvements in oral function cannot be over-emphasized.