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Dysphagia
Published in: Dysphagia 4/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Original Article

Tongue Thickness Relates to Nutritional Status in the Elderly

Authors: Fumiyo Tamura, Takeshi Kikutani, Takashi Tohara, Mitsuyoshi Yoshida, Ken Yaegaki

Published in: Dysphagia | Issue 4/2012

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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.
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Metadata
Title
Tongue Thickness Relates to Nutritional Status in the Elderly
Authors
Fumiyo Tamura
Takeshi Kikutani
Takashi Tohara
Mitsuyoshi Yoshida
Ken Yaegaki
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Dysphagia / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0179-051X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0460
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-012-9407-z

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