Abstract
To determine whether a relationship exists between the number of functional masticatory units (FMUs) and the level of functional dependence of elderly. The study group comprised 502 elderly Caucasians living in nursing homes in north-west Spain and Portugal. The number of FMUs was counted on direct visual inspection. The degree of dependence was assessed using the Barthel index. The results were validated in a group of 156 elderly. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using a generalised linear model (GLM), a logistic GLM, a ROC-GLM curve and a confusion matrix. The number of FMUs significantly affected the Barthel index score (explained deviance=27.5%). The number of FMUs was significantly associated with a lower probability of dependence, both for women (explained deviance=31%) and for men (explained deviance=33%). The model based on FMUs showed a good discriminatory capacity for dependence (AUC=0.84 in women and 0.82 in men). The predictive capacity of the dependence model based on FMUs was very high (sensitivity=0.9 in women and 0.8 in men). In institutionalised elderly Caucasians, the number of FMUs is significantly associated with the Barthel index score and could be a predictive factor for dependence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
