Assignment task: RT is a 72-year-old female with a history of depression, hypertension, gout, and seasonal allergies. She takes Citalopram for her depression, Lasix and Losartan for her HTN, Allopurinol for her gout, and Loratadine for her seasonal allergies. She has a history of xerostomia and cavities, which has resulted in some upper and lower tooth loss. She uses a partial upper denture that has become loose in her mouth recently. Dental pain and ill-fitting dentures have caused chewing difficulty. She has modified her diet to include soft, easy-to-chew foods. At her last doctor's appointment, she noticed a 5 Lb weight loss over 1 month.
Anthropometrics from the last doctor's appointment:
Height: 5"3"
Weight: 140 Lbs.
BMI 24.8
Q1. Briefly describe the relationship between nutrition and oral-dental health in the older adult.
Q2. Describe one (1) screening method a nutrition professional would use to screen for oral-dental alterations in the older adult. Be sure to support your response with evidenced-based research.
Q3. What in RT's health history is likely causing her xerostomia?