Association between dysphagia and social isolation in community-dwelling older people

Purpose This study aimed to clarify the relationship between dysphagia and social isolation among community-dwelling older people. Methods The participants in this cross-sectional observation study were 238 community-dwelling older people (168 women, mean age, 74.0 ± 5.2 years). Swallowing function was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool-10, with a score of ≥ 3 defined as dysphagia. Tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) were also assessed as swallowing-related functions. Social isolation was assessed using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale. Physical function, cognitive function, body mass index, presence of comorbidities, depressive symptoms, and functional capacity were also investigated as confounding factors. The relationship between social isolation and dysphagia was examined by logistic regression analysis with social isolation as the dependent variable and oral function as the independent variable, adjusted for confounding factors. Results In total, 21% of the participants were defined as being socially isolated (social isolation group). The social isolation group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with dysphagia than the nonsocial isolation group (p < 0.01). No significant association was found between social isolation and either tongue pressure or ODK. Dysphagia was significantly associated with social isolation (odds ratio: 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–7.0), even after adjusting for confounders in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion Dysphagia may be an independent risk factor for social isolation in community-dwelling older people. These findings suggest that swallowing function should be assessed in community-dwelling older people at risk of social isolation.