2026 Volume 18 Issue 3 Pages 191-194
In recent years, oral functional decline in older adults has been shown to be closely associated with nutritional status, with masticatory difficulties and dysphagia contributing to malnutrition and the progression of frailty. The palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) is considered effective in improving eating and swallowing function; however, studies examining its impact on nutritional outcomes remain limited. Although there are reports of functional improvement through multidisciplinary collaboration, as well as improvements in tongue pressure and swallowing-related parameters, nutritional evaluations—such as body weight, dietary intake, and biochemical markers—are still insufficient. In older populations, multiple factors influence nutritional status, making it difficult to establish direct causal relationships. Future prospective studies incorporating nutritional indicators and clarifying target patient populations are therefore needed. This project brings together experts in prosthodontics, nutrition, and dysphagia rehabilitation to share current knowledge and discuss the potential of oral function support as an integrated intervention.
