The effects of prosthetic status and dementia on the chewing efficiency of seniors in nursing homes

Background The oral health of seniors in nursing homes is compromised. Furthermore, reduced chewing efficiency is described to be associated with reduced cognition. However, studies investigating how prosthetic status affects the chewing efficiency of nursing home residents are not available. Objective To evaluate associations between prosthetic status, dementia and chewing efficiency of seniors in nursing homes. Methods This study was performed in nine nursing homes. In addition to assessing the general and medical data of the participants, a dental examination was assessed and the severity of dementia was evaluated by use of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Furthermore, chewing efficiency was assessed by use of a two-colour mixing ability test. Descriptive and bivariate statistics, as well as linear regression models with the dependent variable chewing efficiency and possible confounders, were used to analyse data at P < .05. Results Complete target variables of 146 participants were analysed. The mean (SD) chewing efficiency of the study sample, as expressed by the variance of hue, was .590 (.250). The type of prosthesis used (P < .001), the number of occluding tooth pairs (P < .001) and the presence of dementia (P = .002) were the main variables significantly affecting chewing efficiency. The condition of removable dentures also had an effect (P = .016). Multivariate testing predominantly confirmed these associations. Conclusion The chewing efficiency of seniors in nursing homes is somewhat compromised. Beyond dental aspects, suffering from dementia seems to reduce the chewing efficiency. Further interventional/longitudinal studies are, however, encouraged to verify this outcome.