Longitudinal study on the relationship between changes of mastication function and general health

在本研究中，我们进行了纵向研究，以阐明咀嚼功能的变化与一般健康状况之间的真实关系。此外，在研究期间，我们每年进行一次横断面调查，以调查客观方法评估的咀嚼功能和健康状况，包括身体、心理和社会方面。咀嚼功能的评价参数为现有牙数、咬合面积、最大咬合力和咀嚼功能评分。总体健康状况的评价参数为TMIG指数评价较高的能力水平，HDS-R评价认知功能，PGC士气量表评价生活质量。在1999年的横断面调查中，咀嚼功能的各个参数都与饮食包括果汁和可乐有关。此外，在2000年的横断面调查中，TMIG指数得分与男性和女性的咀嚼功能各值之间存在相关性(p&lt；0.01)。在PGC士气量表中评价激越、对自己衰老的态度和孤独不满足感的部分中，咀嚼功能与对自己衰老的态度尤其相关(p&lt；0.05)。此外，HDS-R得分与咀嚼功能的各个参数显著相关，从这些横断面数据来看，咀嚼功能与较高的能力水平、认知功能和生活质量密切相关。在最后一年的调查中，我们利用存储的数据进行了纵向调查。研究期间咀嚼功能的变化与较高水平的能力和认知功能的变化有关(p&lt；0.05)。这些数据表明，老年人咀嚼功能的改善有助于促进身心健康和社会健康。

In the present study, we conducted the longitudinal study to elucidate a real relationship between the change of masticatory function and general health status. Also, we performed a cross-sectional survey every year during the study period to investigate the masticatory function evaluated by objective methods and health status including physical, mental, and social aspects. The assessment parameters of mastication were the number of present teeth, occlusal area, maximum bite force, and mastication score. On the other hand, the assessment parameters of general health status were higher level of competence evaluated by TMIG index, cognitive function evaluated by HDS-R, and QOL evaluated PGC morale scale.In the cross-sectional survey 1999, each parameter of masticatory function was related to the diet including juice and cola. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional survey 2000, score of TMIG index correlated each value of masticatory function in both of males and females (p<0.01). In section of PGC morale scale that assessed agitation, attitude towards own aging, and lonely dissatisfaction, masticatory function was correlated With attitude toward own aging in particular (p<0.05). Also, the score of HDS-R was related significantly to each parameter of masticatory function.From these cross-sectional data, masticatory function was associated closely to higher level of competence, cognitive function, and QOL. In the survey of final year, we conducted a longitudinal investigation using the stored data. The change of masticatory function which was found during the study period was related to the changes of higher level of competence and cognitive function (p<0.05). These data suggest that the improvement of masticatory function in the elderly contribute to the advance of physical, mental, and social health.