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Increasing dependency of older people in nursing homes is associated with need for dental treatments
Authors Zenthöfer A, Rammelsberg P, Cabrera T, Hassel A
Received 15 July 2014
Accepted for publication 30 July 2014
Published 2 December 2014 Volume 2014:10 Pages 2285—2290
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S71184
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Roger Pinder
Andreas Zenthöfer, Peter Rammelsberg, Tomas Cabrera, Alexander Jochen Hassel
Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Abstract: To determine relationships between the need for dental treatments of institutionalized elderly people and cognitive impairment and the general level of care needed. Two hundred and sixty-eight residents of long-term care facilities in Germany were included in this study. Age, sex, diseases, number of frequently taken drugs, and location of the long-term care facility of the participants were recorded. For each participant, the need for care was assessed by use of the Barthel index (BI). Cognitive impairment was evaluated by use of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). To assess dental treatment needs, the revised oral assessment guide (ROAG) was applied for different oral health conditions, which were rated “healthy” or “treatment needed”. Spearman correlations were performed to evaluate associations between BI and MMSE and dental treatment needs. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations of BI (P<0.001) and MMSE (P=0.015) with the ROAG score. Increasing dependency and decreasing cognitive ability worsen oral health and increase the need for dental treatment.
Keywords: elderly, dependency, Barthel index, treatment needs, oral health
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