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Xerostomia in older adults: a longitudinal study
1Department of Community Dentistry and Community Dental Health Services Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Gerodontology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is common in older adults, with incidence rising over three years. Older age, chronic conditions, and poor health increase risk for developing dry mouth.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Xerostomia (dry mouth) research often focuses on patients, leaving a gap in understanding its incidence in community-dwelling older adults.
- Longitudinal data on xerostomia progression in non-patient populations are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and course of xerostomia in a longitudinal cohort of community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over.
- To identify risk factors associated with the development and persistence of xerostomia.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 907 randomly selected community-dwelling adults aged 50+ at baseline (1989).
- Follow-up data collected from 611 participants (71% survival rate) three years later.
- Logistic regression analysis used to identify predictors of xerostomia incidence and chronicity.
Main Results:
- Xerostomia prevalence increased from 15.5% at baseline to 29.5% at follow-up.
- The three-year incidence rate was estimated at 22.5%, with most cases being new onset.
- Older age, presence of chronic medical conditions, and self-reported poor general health were associated with increased xerostomia incidence.
- Older age was the sole predictor of xerostomia chronicity.
Conclusions:
- Xerostomia incidence significantly increases in older adults over a three-year period.
- Risk factors for developing dry mouth include older age, chronic illness, and poor general health.
- Onset of xerostomia is linked to increased oral symptoms and difficulties with eating, communication, and social interaction.