Development of smooth oral hygiene management methods for older adults with Alzheimer's disease

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19342
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology
• Principal Investigator: Shirobe Maki 地方独立行政法人東京都健康長寿医療センター(東京都健康長寿医療センター研究所), 東京都健康長寿医療センター研究所, 研究員 (30814818)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 口腔衛生管理 / 認知症 / アルツハイマー病

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study was conducted to collect and analyze basic data related to oral hygiene management by dementia severity, and furthermore, to present specific measures to address this issue.
A database of 491 cases was created and multilevel analysis was used to determine that dementia severity was associated with refusal of oral care assistance, inability to rinse, and plaque adhesion.
Specific measures for oral hygiene management by dementia severity include: in FAST mild, the patient should be encouraged to maintain their independence, and caregivers should check; in FAST 3 and later, tongue care is also important, as tongue coating becomes more pronounced; and in FAST 4 and later, tongue care is also important, as tongue coating is more pronounced. In addition, since more patients with severe FAST may not be able to use rinsing sufficiently, care should be taken to prevent food residues from remaining in the oral cavity.

Free Research Field

老年歯科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

介護現場においては、拒否などの周辺症状により、認知症高齢者の口腔衛生管理が困難となるケースが多い。また、口腔衛生管理が十分に行えないと、う蝕、歯周疾患などの発症、誤嚥性肺炎発症のリスクが高まることが指摘され大きな課題となっていた。
本研究において、認知症重症度に応じた適切な口腔衛生管理の方法を検討する上で必要な基礎資料となり得るデータベースを構築した。また、得られた研究結果を基に具体的な対応方法を提示したことで、介護者が口腔ケアを実施する際や歯科医療従事者が口腔衛生管理を行う際に、本人の病態に合った適時・適切な口腔衛生管理を行う上での指標の一つとなり得るのではないかと考える。