Relationship between the swallowing function and the health-related QOL among community-dwelling dependent elderly persons

Abstract

Aim: We examined the relationship between the swallowing function and the health-related QOL (quality of life) among community-dwelling dependent elderly persons. Methods: The subjects included 191 community-dwelling dependent elderly persons. Data were collected via questionnaires, including information regarding age, gender, the level of care required, post-cerebrovascular disease, the health-related QOL and the swallowing function. We used the SF-8 to measure the health-related QOL and the DR ACE (Dysphagia Risk Assessment for the Community-dwelling Elderly) to evaluate the swallowing function. Results: The average DR ACE score was 4.29 ± 3.81. In addition, the swallowing risk was found to be related to the SF (social functioning) and MH (mental health) subscales of the SF-8. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the swallowing function is significantly related to the health-related QOL among community-dwelling dependent elderly persons.