• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.574-585
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• 2023

Sarcopenia is a leading cause of increased medical and nursing care costs among the elderly. In Korea, preventive measures for sarcopenia are mostly targeted toward the general elderly population without specific diseases. However, it is also necessary to implement measures for elderly individuals living in nursing homes and hospitals, where the prevalence of sarcopenia is high. Currently, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are considered standard diagnostic tools. However, their complexity and time-consuming nature make them unsuitable for clinical use. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are unclear, as they involve various molecular biological pathways, including decreased exercise, protein and nutrient intake, changes in testosterone and growth hormone, and inflammation. Sarcopenia symptoms can lead to several diseases, such as osteoporosis, fractures, dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B deficiency is a significant factor in sarcopenia induction, with B vitamins being directly involved in energy and protein metabolism and nerve function. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neuromuscular and neurogenic disorders, which often overlap with sarcopenia. Suboptimal intake of B vitamins, malabsorption, and anorexia are common among the elderly. This study aims to provide information on the role of water-soluble B vitamins in preventing and controlling muscle mass loss and deterioration among the elderly with sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the potential of myokines from the B vitamin family in modulating sarcopenia.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.41-51
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• 2019

Introduction: This study intended to identify the current oral health care status and demand of care workers for oral health education. Methods: A survey was distributed to care workers working in 11 nursing homes for older people located in the Chungcheongdo Province. Of those distributed, 217 questionnaires were collected and analyzed. To analyze the collected data, a frequency analysis, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) were performed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: The demand for an educational course on the 'Management of Oral Health Care for the Aged People' had a score of 4.22 points(full marks were 5.0 points), whereas the score for the necessity for control of oral health was 4.29 points. The control of oral health for the aged people suffering dysphagia scored 4.27 points, whereas the control of oral health for older people who have dementia was 4.27 points. The score for a course on the nutritional control for aged people having difficulties in masticating foods was 4.27. Conclusion: It is clear that the development of educational courses and standardized manuals for care workers on aspects of oral health care is necessary. Therefore, it would be desirable to develop institutional infrastructure for dental hygienists to educate care workers on oral health.