Abstract
BackgroundThis study was performed to assess oral and nutritional status of nursing home residents in a region of Lower Saxony, Germany. The aim was to show potential associations between oral status (dentate or edentulous), further anamnestic factors (dementia, age, smoking) and the risk for malnutrition in this population.MethodsIn this observational cross-sectional pilot study of residents from four nursing homes Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Body-Mass-Index (BMI), dental status (DMF-T) and periodontal situation (PSR®/PSI) were recorded. Associations of recorded factors with oral health and nutritional status were examined in univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsEighty-seven residents participated in the study (mean age: 84.1 years; female: 72%, demented: 47%). Average BMI was 26.2 kg/m2; according MNA 52% were at risk for malnutrition. 48% of the residents were edentulous, and the average DMF-T of dentulous was 25.0 (3.7) (D-T: 2.0 [3.1], M-T: 15.0 [8.3], F-T: 8.0 [7.4]); PSR®/PSI 3 and 4 (need for periodontal treatment) showed 79% of residents. In univariate analysis dementia (OR 2.5 CI95 1.1–5.6) but not being edentulous (OR 2.0 CI95 0.8–5.8) were associated with being at risk for malnutrition. Dementia remained associated in multivariate analysis adjusting for age and sex, (OR 3.1 CI95 1.2–8.2) and additionally being edentulous (OR 2.8 CI95 1.1–7.3) became associated significantly. Furthermore, nursing home residents with dementia had more remaining teeth (OR 2.5 CI95 1.1–5.9).ConclusionDementia was a stronger predictor for risk of malnutrition in nursing home residents than being edentulous. Further studies to elucidate the possible role of oral health as cofactor for malnutrition in dementia are needed.
Highlights
This study was performed to assess oral and nutritional status of nursing home residents in a region of Lower Saxony, Germany
Subjects A total of 100 nursing home residents out of 370 contacted residents in four nursing homes agreed to participate in the study
Most subjects were preadipose according to WHO [29], respectively normal findings in accordance to adaptation for geriatric patients [30] with a mean BMI of 26.2 (5.0) kg/m2 [median: 25.1]. 55% (n = 48) of the investigated residents had a diagnosed dementia according to medical records
Summary
This study was performed to assess oral and nutritional status of nursing home residents in a region of Lower Saxony, Germany. Oral health situation of nursing home residents is often poor due to age and limited access to dental care This might be a symptom as well as a cause of poor general health and nutritional status [1, 2]. There is evidence that poor oral health, xerostomia and reduced chewing ability cause involuntary weight loss in the elderly population [12] In this context, oral health and dental status have an influence on the nutritional status of residents [13]. In particular, leads to loss of chewing function and causes residents’ avoidance of food, as it is difficult to chew foods like fruits and vegetables [14] In this manner, poor oral status and insufficient prosthetic restorations might be one of the important risk factors for malnutrition in nursing homes
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