J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2024 Dec;14(Supple):117-125. 10.34160/jkds.24.010.

Oral Frailty and Dysphagia: The Potential of Oral Diadochokinesis for Assessing Oral Function

• Lee YS
• Kim TW
• Han SY

• KMID: 2563335
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.34160/jkds.24.010

Abstract

Objective
Oral frailty is associated with a decline in overall function in the elderly and increases the risk of dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent these issues. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the Korean oral frailty diagnostic criteria and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
Methods
Six diagnostic criteria for oral frailty were examined and ODK was assessed in 100 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above residing in the Gangwon State. The correlation was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s rank correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Results
The study found that elderly individuals in the later stages of life had significantly lower tongue pressure, occlusal force, chewing ability, and ODK compared to those in earlier stages. Additionally, increased age and decreased chewing ability and tongue pressure were significantly associated with a decline in ability to rapidly repeat monosyllables /pʌ/tʌ/kʌ/.
Conclusion
As age increases in the elderly population, the frequency of /pʌ/tʌ/kʌ/ in ODK assessments may serve as a simple screening tool for oral frailty in community-dwelling elderly individuals.

Keyword

Oral diadochokinesis; Oral frailty; Prevention; The elderly