Elder neglect-Oral diseases and injuries

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Forensic Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Elder neglect (EN) is a critical issue where caregivers fail to meet the needs of dependent older adults.
• Global prevalence of elder neglect is estimated between 1.0% and 1.8% based on meta-analysis.
• Current screening tools for EN are often inaccurate, leading to overwhelmed Adult Protective Services (APSs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of orofacial manifestations as forensic markers for elder neglect.
• To classify oral diseases associated with elder neglect based on unmet needs.
• To advocate for effective tools for healthcare workers (HCWs) to accurately identify EN without compromising patient rapport.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of global elder neglect prevalence.
• Classification of elder neglect-associated oral diseases into four categories based on unmet needs.
• Identification of orofacial signs as potential forensic markers for elder neglect.

Main Results:

• Orofacial manifestations such as poor oral hygiene, inadequate dentures, dry mouth, and rashes are identified as key forensic markers of EN.
• Elder neglect-associated oral diseases are categorized into: traumatic injuries, hygiene deficiency diseases, late-diagnosed conditions, and exacerbated chronic conditions.
• The study underscores the limitations of current screening tools and the need for objective diagnostic aids for HCWs.

Conclusions:

• Orofacial signs serve as crucial, objective forensic markers for elder neglect, aiding healthcare workers in identification.
• Classifying oral diseases linked to EN provides a framework for understanding the impact of unmet needs in elder care.
• Developing effective diagnostic tools is essential for healthcare professionals to accurately identify elder neglect and prevent misdiagnosis or unfounded allegations.