Confirmed that oral frailty increases the risk of developing depressive tendencies – Presented at the 35th Academic Conference of the Japanese Geriatric Dentistry Society –

sunstar group
Confirmed that oral frailty increases the risk of developing depressive tendencies – Presented at the 35th Academic Conference of the Japanese Geriatric Dentistry Society –
……
In a joint study with a group led by Director Katsuya Iijima of the Institute for Gerontology at the University of Tokyo, the Sunstar Group (hereinafter referred to as Sunstar) has found that
community-dwelling elderly people with oral frailty are more likely to develop depressive tendencies. revealed that the risk of The results of this research were presented at the 35th Academic Conference of the Japanese Society of Geriatric Dentistry (Friday, June 28, 2024 to Sunday, June 30, 2024, Sapporo Convention Center).
◆Research background/purpose
“Oral frailty” is defined as “minor decline in various functions, including loss of teeth, eating, and speaking,” according to the “Joint Statement of Oral Frailty” issued on April 1, 2024. It was defined as a condition in which the risk of oral function
deterioration increases, but it is possible to improve it. The statement announced five interview items (OF-5) to determine oral frailty.
Elderly people are more susceptible to mental illness due to changes in their living environment and physical functions, and a tendency towards depression in old age not only has a negative impact on the quality of daily life, but is also associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and death. It has been reported that this can occur, and early prevention is desired. Therefore, we conducted research to determine whether “oral frailty,” which is a slight decline in oral function that can be easily determined through a medical interview, increases the risk of developing depressive tendencies.
◆Research overview
This study was conducted on 1,356 independent elderly people living in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture (commonly known as the Kashiwa Study). We analyzed 1,356 people with no depressive tendencies and no missing data at the start of the survey in 2012, and analyzed the presence or absence of oral frailty as determined by OF-5 and the risk of developing depressive tendencies during the follow-up period up to 2018. did.
◆Research results
At the start of the study, the prevalence of oral frailty was 35%, and during the 6-year follow-up period, 18% newly developed depressive tendencies. It was found that those with oral frailty had an increased hazard ratio of 1.53 for new onset of depressive tendencies compared to those without oral frailty (Figure 1). It was also found that those who answered that they had difficulty eating solid foods and that they choked on tea and soups were also at a higher risk of newly developing depressive tendencies (Figure 2).
[Image 1