Overall Health Status of Institutionalized Older Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: An Exploratory Study

Abstract An exploratory study of the overall health conditions and physicochemical properties of saliva were performed in older patients with Alzheimer´s disease (AD) who reside at long-term nursing homes. We also investigate sleep quality, functional capacity during the abilities of ADL, and mobility of these individuals. We examine thirty-nine older adults with AD who resided at long-term private nursing homes. Oral and systemic health status were identified from medical-dental examinations and medical record database. Salivary parameters, including salivary flow rate, pH value, buffering capacity, and salivary cortisol levels (morning), were analyzed. Risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and functional capacity during the activities of daily living (ADL) were also assessed through specific questionnaires. An exploratory analysis was done, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The most of older patients were dentulous, showing residual dental root, periodontal diseases, and carie. The polypharmaceuticals did not substantially interfere on saliva production. No significant alterations in salivary flow and buffering capacity were detected. Risk of psychological-physical stress identified from salivary cortisol was controlled by medicines. All older patients with high risk of OSA had cardiocirculatory disorders; additionally, the total and severe dependencies in ADL and mobility was strongly evidenced in institutionalized older patients with AD.