The Relation between Masticatory Function and Nutrition in Older Individuals, Dependent on Supportive Care for Daily Living

Per Elgestad Stjernfeldt, Gerd Faxén Irving, Inger Wårdh, Robert Lundqvist and Angelika Lantto
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Per Elgestad Stjernfeldt: Department of Dental Medicine, Academic Centre for Geriatric Dentistry, Karolinska Institutet, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden
Gerd Faxén Irving: Department of Neurobiology, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Care Science and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
Inger Wårdh: Department of Dental Medicine, Academic Centre for Geriatric Dentistry, Karolinska Institutet, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden
Robert Lundqvist: The Research and Innovation Unit, County of Norrbotten, 971 89 Luleå, Sweden
Angelika Lantto: The Competence Center of Public Dental Care, County of Norrbotten, 971 28 Luleå, Sweden

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 10, 1-11

Abstract: Introduction: Associations between masticatory function and nutritional status have been suggested. Masticatory function can be divided into two subdomains, the objective capacity of an individual to mix solid food and the individual’s subjectively assessed ability to masticate solid food. Aim: The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between these subdomains and nutritional variables in older, care-dependent individuals. Materials and methods: From a group of 355 individuals with care dependency and functional limitations, individuals aged 60 and older were selected. By home visits, the subjects underwent an oral examination and answered chewing related questions. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. A total of 196 individuals met the age requirement of 60 years or older. Of these, 86 subjects were able to answer the questions. Results: We could not find any concluding significant associations between the subdomains of masticatory function or the nutritional variables. Conclusions: The absence of associations could be explained by the lack of standardized and validated methods to assess masticatory function and they possibly reflect varying underlying constructs. Self-reported questionnaires seem less useful among older and care-dependent individuals, while an objective clinical measurement will be needed when evaluating masticatory function.

Keywords: oral health; older individuals; daily care support; nutrition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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