• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.458-469
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• 2020

Geriatric depression is associated with pathological changes in the brain and increases the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. However, high cognitive reserve, such as high education, can delay or minimize clinical manifestations of pathologies involving the brain, so the effect of geriatric depression on cognitive impairment or dementia may vary depending on the education level. In this study, the author analyzed data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) to examine whether the effect of geriatric depression on cognitive function differed depending on education level. Among the 10,254 subjects registered in the KLoSA, the 4,905 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed by stepwise regression analysis. The results were as follows: first, depressive symptoms predicted low cognitive function after 12 years; second, the negative effect of depressive symptoms on cognitive function after 12 years was higher in the old adult group than in the young adult group; and third, the effect of age was significant only in the low-educated group. These results suggest that depressive symptoms in low-educated old adults may increase the risk of development of dementia in the long term.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-22
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• 2023

Xerostomia is defined as the subjective complaint of dry mouth with or without hyposalivation, which is insufficient salivary secretion from salivary gland. Xerostomia can lead to multiple oral symptoms such as dental caries, halitosis, burning mouth syndrome, and oral candidiasis, which can significantly impact the well-being of patients, especially in geriatric patients who may already have compromised health. Clinical findings of xerostomia include decreased salivary flow and alterations in salivary composition. These changes can lead to various oral health problems such as dental caries, periodontitis, swallowing and speaking difficulties, taste disturbances, halitosis, mucosal diseases, and burning mouth syndrome. Recognizing these clinical manifestations is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management. Although several reasons and risk factors have been suggested for xerostomia such as aging, chemo-radiation therapy, systemic disease, and Sjögren's syndrome, the polypharmacy is recently highlighted especially in elderly patients. Understanding the etiology and risk factors associated with xerostomia is crucial for effective management. To manage xerostomia patients, a multidisciplinary guideline should be established beyond dental care. Through this literature review, we summarized consideration for diagnostic, therapeutic, nursing essentials for the clinical guideline. By addressing the underlying causes and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, healthcare professionals can improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from xerostomia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2009

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently recognized human respiratory pathogen, which is known to be associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections mainly in children, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. The clinical manifestations of hMPV infections are similar to those of the human respiratory syncytial virus infection, which range from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Recently, hMPV has come to be thought of as the cause a similar spectrum of disease in adults as that seen in children; however, most of the reports of hMPV infections have focused on infection in children. We report a case of severe hMPV pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation in an immunocompetent adult in Korea.