The impact of self-perceived masticatory function on nutrition and gastrointestinal function in the elderly patients / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the impact of masticatory function on malnutrition and gastrointestinal symptoms in senile patients.Methods Dental status and denture quality in 120 senile patients were investigated with questionnaires,and thecorrelation of masticatory ability with nutritional status and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated.Results The nutritional status of elderly patients was correlated with the condition of the denture,but not correlated with the number of denture and chewing ability.Gastrointestinal disconffort had correlation with masticatory function,chewing problems,difficulty in chewing and food limit,but chewing function was highly correlated with taking gastrointestinal drugs.Conclusions The chewing ability and nutritional status is not relevant,but since elderly patients with weakened chewing ability avoid certain foods,thus gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as medication increased.