Abstract
In this study, we investigated the association of results obtained with Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST) with the oral hygiene, oral function, and nutritional status of elderly individuals. A total of 90 subjects (21 males, 69 females, average age: 86.0±7.2 years) were enrolled. We assessed the cleanliness of tooth surfaces as oral hygiene, mouth-opening capacity as the masticatory function, and Short-form Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF) findings as the nutritional status, as well as subjective symptoms related to swallowing. Associations between subjects with and without the risk of developing dysphagia were analyzed based on EAT-10 and RSST scores, while path analysis was also conducted. There were significant correlations of dysphagia assessed by EAT-10 with tooth surface cleanliness and the mouth-opening capacity, as well as the subjective symptoms of hard to swallow and choking. In addition, significant correlations of dysphagia assessed by RSST with the mouth-opening capacity, tongue movement, and number of chewable foods, as well as the subjective symptoms of hard to swallow and choking shown in MNA-SF findings were noted. Path analysis results indicated a weak association between EAT-10 and RSST, while there were significant paths from EAT-10 to tooth surface cleanliness and stains on the tongue, as well as the subjective symptoms of hard to swallow and choking, and significant paths or trends from RSST to tongue movement, number of chewable foods, and MNA-SF findings. The present results indicate that EAT-10 is influenced by factors related to oral hygiene and subjective symptoms, while factors influencing RSST are related to the masticatory function and nutritional status. It is suggested that findings obtained by screening with EAT-10 are correlated with those with RSST, although the specific characteristics are different.
