Oral health and geriatric syndromes in older adults in a highly specialized geriatric unit

Resumen

Aim: To determine the frequency of alterations in oral health conditions (hygiene, prosthesis, and xerostomia) and its association with geriatric syndromes (depression, malnutrition, and frailty) in elderly people attending the highly specialized geriatric care unit. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out that recruiZted 124 participants (March 2018 to September 2018). A comprehensive geriatric assessment and standardized dental checkups were performed to obtain diagnoses in oral health and geriatric syndromes. To establish the association between oral health conditions and geriatric syndromes a logistical regression analysis was conducted. Results: The mean age was of 78.76 ± 7.08 years, with females being 74.2%. The total amount of edentulous patients was 25.8% and up to 60.5% required some type of prosthesis. 59.4% of the edentulous participants met the diagnosis of frailty. 53.5% of participants with xerostomia were classified as frail. The logistical regression analysis did not show statistical significance. Conclusion: The presence of frailty, malnutrition, and depression was greater in patients with prostheses, xerostomia, and poor oral hygiene. The statistical analysis showed a non-significant risk association between oral health conditions and depression, malnutrition, or frailty. These results highlight the importance of the intentional search for oral pathology during the comprehensive geriatric assessment.