Characterization of orofacial myofunctional disorders among institutionalized seniors

• Autor(a) principal: Rocha,Maria Adélia da Silva
• Data de Publicação: 2010
• Outros Autores: Lima,Maria Luiza Lopes Timóteo de
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://ggaging.com/details/294
• topic: Elderly, oral sensorimotor, speech therapy.

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To identify the characteristics of orofacial myofunctional in institutionalized elderly.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> The sample comprised 7 females and 6 males aged between 60 and 74 years housed in the Casa de Longa Perman&ecirc;ncia Ieda Lucena, Recife, Pernambuco, in the period September-November 2009. We applied the Assessment Protocol Myofunctional; was also assessed the orofacial structures, through observation, palpation and movements of the articulators; observing the process of chewing and swallowing and overall assessment of speech.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> We found structural alterations as posture, tone and mobility of the articulators and the performance of stomatognathic functions in oral communication and feeding the elderly. There was a significant number of elderly edentulous (8 people), a condition that affects chewing, food, communication and social interaction with a negative impact on quality of life of the elderly.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> The changes in the stomatognathic system are common in the elderly, and can bring consequences that affect the improvement of living conditions of these individuals, especially in the institutionalized elderly, who have weakened, by sectors of psychological (loneliness caused by social isolation, lack of family life) and economic precariousness. Given this reality, it is concluded that audiologic performance configures itself as an essential tool in the diagnosis and care for these clients.</p>