Biomedical subjects

A Schork

Publications and source records attributed to A Schork.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

The utilization of antidepressants in community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly--results form a representative survey in Germany.

Given its widespread occurrence and consequences, old-age depression has to be regarded as a major public health problem. Drug treatment has been proven effective in the majority of elderly individuals suffering from depression. This study presents pharmacoepidemiological data regarding the use of prescribed antidepressants and those purchased over the counter in the elderly. Furthermore, it links the data to simultaneously assessed depressive symptomatology. A representative survey on the utilization of prescription and over-the-counter antidepressant drugs and depressive symptomatology in community-dwelling (n = 1193) and institutionalized elderly individuals (n = 470) aged 75 and over was conducted in an urban region of Germany. Antidepressant use was found to be remarkably low (synthetic antidepressants: 2.2% of community dwelling individuals, 3.6% of institutionalized individuals; phytopharmaca containing hypericum perforatum: 4.2% of community dwelling individuals, 2.8% of institutionalized individuals). Two-thirds of the individuals treated with synthetic antidepressants received tri- and tetracyclic drugs, which were given at lower dosages than recommended for depression treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were introduced in community-dwelling individuals only; none of the individuals cared for in residential and nursing homes received SSRIs. Only a minority of individuals with depressive symptoms were treated with antidepressants. The data suggests underutilization of antidepressants in the elderly, in which institutionalized elderly seem especially disadvantaged. The results call for increased efforts to discuss mental health issues in the public and to share scientific knowledge about symptoms, course and treatment options for depression. Furthermore, geronto-psychiatric competence of medical professionals, especially GPs, has to be systematically developed.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

[Subjective memory loss--a sign of cognitive impairment in the elderly? An overview of the status of research].

According to the growing clinical interest in early indicators of dementia, numerous studies have examined the association between subjective memory complaints and cognitive performance in old age. Their results are contradictory. In this paper, studies carried out over the last 10 years are compared with regard to the study design and the assessment instruments used. The results are discussed with particular reference to the diagnostic validity of subjective memory complaints. The majority of case-control studies and cross-sectional studies of non-representative samples could not demonstrate an association between subjective memory complaints and cognitive performance. Most field studies of larger representative population samples, however, have come to the opposite conclusion. A consistent assessment of these statistically significant associations against the background of diagnostic validity showed that memory complaints cannot be taken as a clear clinical indicator for cognitive impairment. Subjective memory complaints may reflect depressive disorders and a multitude of other processes, of which an objective impairment of cognitive performance is just one aspect. As a consequence, an inclusion of subjective memory complaints as a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of "mild cognitive disorder" according to ICD-10 is not justified.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

[Dementia patients in general practice--results of a survey].

In line with the current demographic trends, the number of elderly suffering from dementia is increasing. GPs have a key position in dealing with these patients at the primary care level. Different aspects of care for patients suffering from dementia provided in general practice in Germany were assessed by means of a questionnaire (n = 563). The results highlight the role of GPs in the delivery of medical and psychosocial care. However, diagnosing dementia seems challenging and co-operation could be improved. Three fourths of the GPs diagnose vascular dementia more often than Alzheimer's disease, which is contrary to what is known from epidemiological findings. One third refers patients to a specialist on a regular basis for establishing the diagnosis. Only 4% of the German GPs entertain co-operative relationships with the "Alzheimer society" and the "Brain league". Consequences for improving these for patients with dementia and their families are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Do memory complaints indicate the presence of cognitive impairment? Results of a field study.

BACKGROUND: In the context of suspected cognitive disorders, the validity of memory complaints is subject to considerable debate. This investigation documents the prevalence of memory complaints and assesses the validity of memory complaints for detecting cognitive impairment. METHODS: The sample comprises 349 randomly selected non-institutionalized individuals, aged 75 and over living in the city of Leipzig. Twenty individuals who suffer from moderate and severe dementia according to DSM-III-R were excluded. Memory complaints were measured by means of a single item question. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a wider range of cognitive tests which constitute the short neuropsychological battery of the SIDAM (Structured Interview for the Diagnosis of dementia of Alzheimer type, Multi-infarct dementia and dementias of other etiology according to ICD-10 and DSM-III-R) were used to test cognitive performance. RESULTS: One in three individuals aged 75 and over complained about memory deficits. The MMSE is not significantly related to memory complaints, whereas poorer performance on 2 out of 8 tests regarding specific areas of cognitive function (immediate recall, short-term memory) were found to be significantly associated with memory complaints. Despite these statistically significant associations, it is shown that memory complaints do not have diagnostic validity in detecting cognitive impairment on the individual level. CONCLUSION: Memory self-assessment should not be used as a substitute measure of cognitive performance. Initiation of further diagnostic and therapeutic steps should be based on cognitive performance testing. Relaying solely on memory complaints would miss individuals in need and allocate resources to worried but cognitively healthy persons.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

The role of referrals in diagnosing dementia at the primary care level.

BACKGROUND: Demographic changes indicating a general aging of the population suggest that the key role of general practitioners (GPs) in the diagnosis and management of dementia becomes more salient. The encouragement of GPs to collaborate with specialists is one chance to support GPs in performing a variety of functions associated with the diagnosis and management of dementia. METHOD: We used a questionnaire to investigate the role of referrals in diagnosing dementia at the primary care level and variables potentially influencing the referral behavior of German GPs (n = 563). RESULTS: Only 31% of the GPs stated that the diagnosis of dementia was made predominantly in the context of referral to a specialist. The chance that referrals were made was increased for those GPs who entertained extensive cooperative relationships with self-help groups, psychologists, or the "Alzheimer Society"/"Brain League" (odds ratio [OR] 1.74) and for those GPs who perceived a great preparedness on the part of the relatives of the patient to comply with a referral (OR 2.29) as well as who noticed a great readiness among specialists to accept patients for the diagnosis of dementia (OR 2.55). GPs whose therapeutic orientation was shaped by further training and scientific literature were more likely to refer (OR 3.54). DISCUSSION: Enhancing the liaison between GPs and specialist physicians by improving the psychogeriatric competence of GPs as well as the connection to nonmedical services is discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

[Gerontopsychiatric competence is in demand. The current psychopharmacologic treatment practice in homes for the aged and nursing homes].

OBJECTIVE: A growing proportion of residents of residential and nursing homes is mentally ill and subject to intensive pharmacotherapy. This study presents data on the use of psychotropic drugs use in residential and nursing homes for the elderly in the new Länder. METHOD: The psychotropic drug use of 560 residents of 4 old-people's homes in Leipzig (Germany) was reviewed and analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Half of the population of residential and nursing homes receives psychotropic drug treatment, a substantial part with 2 or more drugs a day. Middle- and long-acting benzodiazepines were prescribed strikingly often and used for long-term treatment. Antidepressants, taken regularly by 3.6% of the nursing homes residents and 2.6% of the residential home residents, are considered to be under-used. The introduction of new substances (e.g. atypical neuroleptics, SSRI's) which might be more appropriate in vulnerable and multimorbide elderly persons was found to be delayed. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of mental disorders in residential and nursing homes lags far behind the "state of the art" and demonstrates the need for gerontopsychiatric input into institutional care for the elderly.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Predictors of aspiration pneumonia: how important is dysphagia?

Aspiration pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly who are hospitalized or in nursing homes. Multiple risk factors for pneumonia have been identified, but no study has effectively compared the relative risk of factors in several different categories, including dysphagia. In this prospective outcomes study, 189 elderly subjects were recruited from the outpatient clinics, inpatient acute care wards, and the nursing home care center at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They were given a variety of assessments to determine oropharyngeal and esophageal swallowing and feeding status, functional status, medical status, and oral/dental status. The subjects were followed for up to 4 years for an outcome of verified aspiration pneumonia. Bivariate analyses identified several factors as significantly associated with pneumonia. Logistic regression analyses then identified the significant predictors of aspiration pneumonia. The best predictors, in one or more groups of subjects, were dependent for feeding, dependent for oral care, number of decayed teeth, tube feeding, more than one medical diagnosis, number of medications, and smoking. The role that each of the significant predictors might play was described in relation to the pathogenesis of aspiration pneumonia. Dysphagia was concluded to be an important risk for aspiration pneumonia, but generally not sufficient to cause pneumonia unless other risk factors are present as well. A dependency upon others for feeding emerged as the dominant risk factor, with an odds ratio of 19.98 in a logistic regression model that excluded tube-fed patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

Assessing the relationship between dental disease and coronary heart disease in elderly U.S. veterans.

Several recent studies have shown a link between dental disease and coronary heart disease. The authors studied 320 U.S. veterans in a convenience sample to assess the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases among older people. They present cross-sectional data confirming that a statistically significant association exists between a diagnosis of coronary heart disease and certain oral health parameters, such as the number of missing teeth, plaque benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide test scores, salivary levels of Streptococcus sanguis and complaints of xerostomia. The oral parameters in these subjects were independent of and more strongly associated with coronary heart disease than were recognized risk factors, such as serum cholesterol levels, body mass index, diabetes and smoking status. However, because of the convenience sample studied, these findings cannot be generalized to other populations.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

The relationship between dental disease and cerebral vascular accident in elderly United States veterans.

We report here information obtained from a cross-sectional study of 401 veterans, who were at least 60 years of age, which showed that several dental/oral conditions can be significantly associated with the diagnosis of a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), when included in a multivariate logistic regression model with and without many of the known risk factors for a CVA. The dental findings relative to the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease were not distinctly different between the subjects with and without a CVA in the bivariate analysis. A higher stimulated salivary flow was negatively associated with a CVA in the multivariate models. The plaque index and oral hygiene habits relating to brushing, flossing, and frequency of having teeth cleaned by a dentist/hygienist were significantly associated with a CVA in the bivariate analysis. Among these oral hygiene parameters, *needing help in brushing one's teeth" and the reported annual visit to the dentist/hygienist for teeth cleaning remained significant in the multivariate models involving the dependent-living subjects. The need for help in brushing one's teeth could reflect the fact that many subjects had reduced manual dexterity as a result of the CVA and required this extra care. However, the finding that those dependent-living individuals who reported that they did not have their teeth cleaned at least once a year were 4.76 times more likely to have had a CVA, suggests that a pattern of oral neglect might be associated with developing a CVA. The implications of this in terms of an intervention strategy for CVA warrants further consideration. However, caution is recommended because the data were obtained from a convenience sampling of older veterans and may not be generalizable to other populations.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Elevated parathyroid hormone-related peptide associated with lactation and bone density loss.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PRHrP) may be involved with bone loss and recovery as a means of providing adequate calcium and phosphate to infants. DESIGN: An 18-month prospective cohort study. SETTING: General community setting with recruitment occurring at birthing education classes. PARTICIPANTS: Volunteer sample of 115 postpartum healthy women aged 20 to 40 years, and 0 or 1 parity prior to parturition with no intent to breast-feed or intent to breast-feed at least 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Parathyroid hormone-related peptide, prolactin, estradiol, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 24-hydroxyvitamin D, femoral bone mineral density, and bone turnover markers were measured in 115 postpartum women at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postpartum. Lumbar bone mineral density was measured at 2 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postpartum. RESULTS: Elevated PTHrP values were significantly associated (P<.001) with breast-feeding status, elevated prolactin levels, and lower serum estradiol levels, conditions occurring during lactation. Furthermore, elevated PTHrP levels were negatively and significantly associated (P<.01) over time with bone mineral density change at both the spine and the femoral neck, even after accounting for prolactin levels, breast-feeding status, return of menstruation, estradiol levels, PTH levels, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, dietary calcium intake, physical activity, and body size. CONCLUSION: These data clearly support the hypothesis that PTHrP is an alternative mechanism associated with bone loss and recovery during and subsequent to lactation.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1996

The effect of early discharge and other factors on readmission rates of newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between early discharge, breast feeding, and other factors on hospital readmission of newborns. DESIGN: Retrospective record review. SETTING: An urban, private community hospital. PATIENTS: All newborns born over a 1-year period who were readmitted to the hospital within the first 3 weeks of life (n=117). The control group consisted of a systematic sampling of newborns born over the same period who were not readmitted (n=147). RESULTS: Early discharge, defined as discharge when younger than 24, 36, or 48 hours of age, does not seem to contribute to readmission. However, newborns whose initial stay was longer than 72 hours were at significantly lower risk for readmission (P=.02, chi(2)). Factors in the initial hospitalization associated with readmission included vaginal delivery and length of stay less than 72 hours (difference, 12 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4% to 20%; P=.005), need for performance of a complete blood count (CBC) (difference, 16 percentage points; CI 6% to 26%; P=.002), presence of jaundice (difference, 17 percentage points; CI, 5% to 29% P=.005), and gestational age 37 weeks or less (difference, 10 percentage points; CI, 2% to 18%; P=.02), discharge weight less than 3 kg (difference, 11 percentage points; CI, 0 to 22%; P=.05). However, almost all newborns delivered vaginally were discharged within less than 72 hours, so our ability to comment on the independent effect of delivery mode on readmission is limited. A trend toward significance was noted between breast-feeding and readmission (difference, 9 percentage points; CI, 0% to 18%; P=.07). However, when only vaginal deliveries were considered, this association was statistically significant (difference, 13 percentage points; CI, 4% to 22%; P=.02). A significant association was noted between breast-feeding and jaundice or dehydration. Of babies admitted with jaundice or dehydration, 94% were breast-fed, compared with 67% of babies admitted with neither jaundice nor dehydration (difference, 27 percentage points; CI, 13% to 41%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly suggest that early discharge (at younger than 24, 36, or 48 hours of age) from the hospital is not associated with hospital readmission within the first 3 weeks of life. Factors associated with readmission included breast-feeding, vaginal delivery and length of stay less than 72 hours, jaundice or need for a CBC, gestational age of 37 weeks or less, and discharge weight less than 3 kg.

Female↗

PubMed1996

Human papillomavirus DNA in malignant and hyperplastic prostate tissue of black and white males.

This study hypothesized that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with increased prostate cancer risk, and that the 40% higher incidence rate in blacks is attributable to a greater prevalence of oncogenic viral DNA in prostatic tissues. Viral L1 and E6 gene sequences were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified in archival tissues from 56 prostate cancer cases and 42 hyperplastic controls. L1 amplimers were hybridized by dot blot to HPV L1 generic probes, as were E6 amplimers to E6 probes specific for HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45. 12.5% of cases and 9.5% of controls were HPV positive by L1 hybridization (age/race adjusted odds ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.33, 8.37). Four of 52 (7.7%) blacks were HPV positive compared to 7 of 46 (15.2%) whites. However, none of the L1-positive samples hybridized to the E6 type-specific probes, and positive results were not replicable using a broader spectrum of PCR primers and probes. These data suggest that HPV infection is not a significant risk factor for prostate cancer and does not explain the excess cancer risk in blacks.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1996

Follow-up of coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the prevalence and fate of residual ductal shunting following coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. BACKGROUND: Although transcatheter coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus has gained popularity, few follow-up data have been reported. METHODS: A review of 75 patients who underwent coil occlusion was performed. Residual shunting was investigated by Doppler echocardiography in follow-up. Angiograms were reviewed to obtain minimal ductal diameter and ductal angiographic type. RESULTS: Residual shunts were found in 31 patients (41%) on the day of the procedure, and of these, spontaneous closure was noted in 17 (55%) at 2 weeks to 20 months of follow-up. Of the 75 patients studied, 5 (7%) required a second coil procedure, and 10 (13%) remained with persistent residual shunts at most recent follow-up. Actuarial analysis estimated a 6 +/- 5% prevalence of residual shunts 20 months after a single coil procedure and 3 +/- 3% after all coil procedures. Minimal ductal diameter was associated with immediate complete ductal occlusion by a single coil. These patients had significantly smaller (p = 0.003) minimal ductal diameters (1.2 +/- 0.7 mm) than those who required two coils during their initial procedure to achieve immediate occlusion (1.9 +/- 0.7 mm), those who required a second coil procedure (2.0 +/- 0.9 mm), those who had spontaneous closure of residual shunts (1.9 +/- 0.7 mm) and those with persistent residual shunts (2.0 +/- 0.9 mm). No association was identified between ductal angiographic type and outcome of coil occlusion. No late adverse clinical events of coil occlusion or evidence of recanalization was found. CONCLUSIONS: Small residual shunts are common after coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus, but most close spontaneously. Actuarial analysis estimates complete closure in 94% at 20 months, and reintervention was required in only 7% of patients.

Actuarial Analysis↗

PubMed1996

Half-life determination of serum free prostate-specific antigen following radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) continues to be the the most clinically useful tumor marker for prostate cancer. Recently, several molecular forms of PSA have been detected and characterized. These specific forms, including free PSA and PSA complexed to alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, can be measured and their proportions determined. In doing so, the sensitivity of PSA as a tumor marker can be maintained while the specificity is improved. In order to maximize the clinical utility of free PSA, the half-life and elimination kinetics of free PSA from the serum were determined. METHODS: Twenty-five patients, ages 43-74 years (mean 60 years) with biopsy proven, organ-confined adenocarcinoma of the prostate who underwent anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy, were identified. For each patient, venous blood samples were obtained preoperatively, and at 60-minute intervals beginning 1 hour after the prostate was removed. The specimens were handled and stored in a consistent fashion. Using the AxSYM immunoassay analyzer (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL), the serum free PSA values were determined and plotted as a function of time for each patient. From the 25 individual elimination curves that were generated, the half-life of serum free PSA was determined. RESULTS: The mean half-life of serum free PSA was 110 minutes +/- 18.6 minutes (SD). Analysis of the individual and cumulative elimination curves indicates that the elimination of free PSA from the serum following radical prostatectomy follows a biphasic pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike PSA, which has a half life of 2-3 days, the half-life of serum free PSA is 110 minutes (1.83 hours). This short half-life may have significant implications for the use of percentage of free PSA as a clinically useful tool in distinguishing patients with early, curable prostate cancer from men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) only.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1996

Relationship of amiodarone to postoperative complications of transthoracic implantation of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

The purpose of this study is to report the results and complications associated with transthoracic placement of an implantable defibrillator and their relationship to amiodarone, and to identify clinical predictors of complications. There were 159 men and 41 women. The mean patients age was 61 +/- 11 years, and the mean ejection fraction was 0.33 +/- 0.14. Fifty one percent of patients developed complications including death in 14 patients (7%). Variables which differed in patients who died and those that did not were age, ejection fraction and New York heart failure classifications. Postoperative mortality was unrelated to amiodarone therapy. Twenty patients (10%) developed pneumonia and 15 patients (7.5%) developed respiratory failure. Clinical variables associated with the development of respiratory failure were age, amiodarone therapy and a prior history of pulmonary disease. Patients receiving amiodarone had a higher incidence of an elevated defibrillation threshold (> or = 25 joules) as compared with those not being treated with amiodarone. Clinical factors associated with an elevated defibrillation threshold were a history of a myocardial infarction, prior bypass surgery, and amiodarone. The results of this study demonstrate that placement of an implantable defibrillator using a transthoracic approach is associated with a high incidence of complications. Amiodarone therapy is associated with an increased incidence of pneumonia, respiratory failure, and elevated defibrillation thresholds.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Alpha 2-adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism and hypertension in blacks.

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors are found on presynaptic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, on blood vessels, on platelets, on adipocytes, and in the kidney and pancreas. Activation of these ubiquitous adrenoreceptors results in decreased neuronal norepinephrine release, vasodilation, a fall in blood pressure, platelet aggregation, increased sodium excretion, and decreased insulin release. We hypothesized that defects in alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, or postreceptor defects, could explain the increased prevalence of hypertension in blacks. To test our hypothesis, we first determined whether or not a polymorphism of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor gene was associated with pathologic elevations in blood pressure in American blacks. Dra-I identified a restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) of 6.3 and 6.7 kb of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor gene on chromosome 10 in humans. Of 227 patients studied, 13/107 hypertensive subjects were homozygous for the 6.3-kb allele, whereas only 3/120 normotensive volunteers were homozygotes (P = .008). When analyzed by race, 13/82 black hypertensive subjects were homozygous for the 6.3-kb allele, whereas only 2/59 normotensive blacks were homozygous for the 6.3-kb alleles (P = .02). However, only 1/61 white normotensive and 0/25 white hypertensive subjects were homozygous for the 6.3-kb allele (P = 1.00). Ethnic variation among blacks may explain our findings. Alternatively, a genetic polymorphism in, or near, the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor on chromosome 10 can contribute to the development of hypertension in blacks.

Alleles↗

PubMed1995

The value of the clinical history in the differentiation of syncope due to ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and neurocardiogenic syncope.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to identify and quantitate the symptoms associated with neurocardiogenic syncope, syncope due to ventricular tachycardia, and syncope resulting from atrioventricular block. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients referred for evaluation of syncope in whom a diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope, atrioventricular block, or ventricular tachycardia was established were studied. Each patient was interviewed using a standard questionnaire. The clinical histories were then compared to identify which variables best differentiated the cause of syncope. RESULTS: The clinical histories of patients with syncope due to ventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block were similar. Only age, the duration of prodromal symptoms, diaphoresis prior to syncope, and fatigue following syncope differed. In contrast, the clinical history in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope differed greatly from that obtained in patients with syncope due to atrioventricular block or ventricular tachycardia. Features of the clinical history that were predictive of syncope due to atrioventricular block or ventricular tachycardia were male sex, age > 54 years, < or = 2 episodes of syncope, and a duration of warning of < or = 5 seconds. Features of the clinical history predictive of syncope not due to ventricular tachycardia or atrioventricular block were palpitations, blurred vision, nausea, warmth, diaphoresis, or lightheadedness prior to syncope, and nausea, warmth, diaphoresis, or fatigue following syncope. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identify and compare the features of the clinical history obtained in patients with syncope due to ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and neurocardiogenic syncope and demonstrate that the clinical history is of value in distinguishing patients with these three causes of syncope.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Factors which influence levels of selected organisms in saliva of older individuals.

The most commonly measured bacterial parameters in saliva are the levels of the mutans group streptococci and lactobacilli, which have diagnostic implications for the incidence of dental decay. Diagnostic guidelines which are applicable to children and young adults in whom most, if not all, teeth are present and in whom the rate of stimulated saliva is almost always greater than 0.5 ml/min have been developed. Dental decay is a potential health problem of considerable magnitude among elderly individuals. In elderly individuals, missing teeth, the presence of dentures, and a reduced salivary flow could confound the interpretation of salivary levels of cariogenic bacteria. In the present study, in which saliva was collected from more than 560 elderly individuals (average age, 70 +/- 8 years), there was a significant positive relationship between the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and increased numbers of teeth. There was a positive association between the salivary levels of S. mutans and decay when the data were stratified for the presence of a complaint of xerostomia and the presence of dentures. However, a similar analysis indicated that lactobacilli and yeasts were more likely to be associated with decay. The various variables which could influence the bacterial counts per milliliter of saliva, e.g., independent or dependent living status, complaint of xerostomia, stimulated salivary flow, salivary pH, the presence of dentures, number of teeth, and decay, were analyzed simultaneously by using a multivariable linear model. In that analysis the number of decayed teeth was significantly associated with the presence of lactobacilli (P = 0.0001) and yeasts (P = 0.025) but not with the presence of S. mutans. Our findings indicate that salivary levels of lactobacilli and yeasts, as well as the salivary levels of S. mutans, should be monitored when seeking microbial indicators that might predict the incidence of caries in elderly individuals.

Activities of Daily Living↗