A comparative study to evaluate the variations in oral microbiota associated with depression among the geriatric population of Uttarakhand: An in vivo study

Background: Depression among elderly populations is usually underdiagnosed and undertreated.Newly emerging findings indicate a potential association between mental health and microbial diversity, including oral microbiota.This paper examines the relationship between depression and differences in oral microbiota in elderly people in Uttarakhand.Aim and Objective: To assess the association between depression and oral microbial profile in elderly subjects and to determine certain microbial patterns characteristic of depressive symptoms. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional analysis was carried out among 70 elderly volunteers from Uttarakhand.The participants were clinically evaluated and divided into two groups: depressed and non-depressed, according to standardized criteria.Oral swabs were taken and cultured for microbial examination.Prevalence and oral microbes' types were compared between the two groups.Results: 50% of the 70 participants were discovered to have clinical depression symptoms.Microbial growth was detected in 80% of those who were depressed, whereas 14.3% of the non-depressed (P < 0.001).Actinomyces sp. and Streptococcus sp.dominated more in depressed subjects.Conversely, 85.7% of the non-depressed population had no evidence of microbial presence.Lactobacillus sp. was present in both groups, which showed no difference in frequency.Conclusion: There is a strong link between depression and changed oral microbiota in the elderly.The presence of certain microbes in depressed patients demonstrates the possible involvement of oral health as a determinant of mental status.Adding standard oral care to geriatric health plans may provide an important approach to enhancing both systemic and mental health outcomes.