Effects of Oral Dysfunction on the Mental and Physical Functioning of Community-dwelling Elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between oral and mental/physical functions of community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a mail questionnaire survey of 1,940 community-dwelling persons aged 65 years or older. Using a basic checklist, we investigated oral function, motor function, low nutrition, depressive tendencies, cognitive function, and confinement, and compared the results between the groups with and without impaired oral function. [Results] We found that motor function, low nutrition, and cognitive function were associated with oral function. [Conclusion] We found a relationship between oral function and psychosomatic function in the elderly. The results suggest that a decline in psychosomatic function may be caused by a decline in oral function.