title: Tongue thickness relates to nutritional status in the elderly.
abstract: Many elderly people under long-term care suffer from malnutrition caused by dysphagia, frequently leading to sarcopenia. Our hypothesis is that sarcopenia may compromise oral function, resulting in dysphagia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sarcopenia of the lingual muscles by measuring the tongue thickness, and elucidate its relationship with nutritional status. We examined 104 elderly subjects (mean age = 80.3 ± 7.9 years). Anthropometric data, such as triceps skinfold thickness and midarm muscle area (AMA), were obtained. The tongue thickness of the central part was determined using ultrasonography. Measurement was performed twice and the mean value was obtained. The relationship between tongue thickness and nutritional status was analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. AMA and age were identified by multiple-regression analysis as factors influencing tongue thickness. The results of this study suggest that malnutrition may induce sarcopenia not only in the skeletal muscles but also in the tongue.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Clinic for Speech and Swallowing Disorders, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, Dental Hospital, Fujimi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. fumita@tokyo.ndu.ac.jp
authors.forename: Fumiyo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tamura
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kikutani
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tohara
authors.forename: Mitsuyoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yaegaki
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014059:Tongue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography