Oral Health and Ageing: A Literature Review / Salud Oral y Envejecimiento: Una Revisión Bibliográfica

ABSTRACT Background: The number of persons aged sixty years and over is increasing worldwide. Oral health in the elderly is frequently under-appreciated. The aim of this narrative literature review is to highlight oral health problems affiliated with ageing and to bring about awareness of these conditions in the elderly. Results: Older individuals have poor oral health due to physiological age induced changes in teeth and oral mucosa, edentulism, dental caries, periodontal disease, xerostomia and oral cancer. Oral health problems in the elderly negatively impact their quality of life. Conclusion: Poor oral health in the elderly adversely impacts general health and quality of life. An integrated and multidisciplinary approach is important for preventing oral diseases and improving and maintaining oral health in the elderly.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El número de personas de 60 años o más está aumentando en todo el mundo. Con frecuencia se subestima la salud oral de los ancianos. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura narrativa es resaltar los problemas de salud bucodental asociados con el envejecimiento y contribuir a la concientización de estas condiciones en los ancianos. Resultados: Las personas mayores tienen salud oral pobre debido a los cambios fisiológicos inducidos por la edad en los dientes y la mucosa oral: edentulismo, caries dentales, enfermedad periodontal, xerostomía y cáncer oral. Los problemas de salud oral en los ancianos impactan negativamente su calidad de vida. Conclusión: La pobre salud oral en los ancianos afecta negativamente su salud general y su calidad de vida. Un enfoque integral y multidisciplinario es importante para prevenir, enfermedades bucales y mejorar y mantener la salud bucal en ancianos.

Consensus statement on the investigation and management of non­radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr­axSpA)

"AIM: Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) is axial inflammatory arthritis where plain radiographic damage is not evident. An unknown proportion of these patients will progress to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The increasing recognition of nr-axSpA has been greatly assisted by the widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this article was to construct a set of consensus statements based on a literature review to guide investigation and promote best management of nr-axSpA. METHODS: A literature review using Medline was conducted covering the major investigation modalities and treatment options available. A group of rheumatologists and a radiologist with expertise in investigation and management of SpA reviewed the literature and formulated a set of consensus statements. The Grade system encompassing the level of evidence and strength of recommendation was used. The opinion of a patient with nr-axSpA and a nurse experienced in the care of SpA patients was also sought and included. RESULTS: The literature review found few studies specifically addressing nr-axSpA, or if these patients were included, their results were often not separately reported. Fourteen consensus statements covering investigation and management of nr-axSpA were formulated. The level of agreement was high and ranged from 8.1 to 9.8. Treatment recommendations vary little with established AS, but this is primarily due to the lack of available evidence on the specific treatment of nr-axSpA. CONCLUSION: The consensus statements aim to improve the diagnosis and management of nr-axSpA. We aim to raise awareness of this condition by the public and doctors and promote appropriate investigation and management."