Association between dysphagia and social isolation in community-dwelling older people

This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the relationship between dysphagia and social isolation among community-dwelling older people.

The study participants were 238 community-dwelling older people (168 women; mean age, 74.0 ± 5.2 years; independent in instrumental activities of daily living, 97%) who lived independently and didn't have a history of cerebrovascular disease. Swallowing function was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool-10, with a score of ≥ 3 defined as dysphagia. Tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) were assessed as swallowing-related functions. Social isolation was assessed using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale. Physical function, cognitive function, and basic attributes were investigated as confounding factors. The relationship between social isolation and dysphagia was examined by logistic regression analysis with social isolation as the dependent variable and swallowing function as the independent variable, adjusted for confounding factors.

Twenty-one percent of the participants were classified as social isolation group. A significantly higher percentage of participants with dysphagia were in the social isolation group than in the nonsocial isolation group (odds ratio [OR]: 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-7.9). No significant association was found between social isolation and either tongue pressure or ODK. Dysphagia was significantly associated with social isolation (OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-6.9), even after adjusting for confounders (physical function, cognitive function, and basic attributes).

Dysphagia may be an independent risk factor for social isolation in community-dwelling older people. These findings suggest that dysphagia should be assessed in community-dwelling older people at risk of social isolation.