Health

Studies have found a link between tooth loss and cognitive impairment, dementia

New data published in JAMDA: The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine It suggests that tooth loss increases the risk of cognitive impairment, and each lost tooth exacerbates that risk. Researchers show that this risk is not seen in older people with dentures, and that cognitive decline associated with tooth loss may be mitigated by timely and effective treatment with dentures. It may be.

The study consisted of a meta-analysis of 14 longitudinal studies analyzing tooth loss and cognitive impairment. A total of 34,074 participants were included in these studies, of which 4689 experienced cognitive decline. Researchers have found that adults with high tooth loss are 1.48 times more likely to develop cognitive impairment than the average individual and are 1.28 times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

“Given the incredible number of people diagnosed with [Alzheimer] With the opportunity to improve oral health each year, with dementia, and for life, it is important to have a better understanding of the relationship between poor oral health and cognitive decline. ” Dr. Bei Wu, Dean of the Faculty of Global Health at New York University, said. Press release, co-director of Myers College of Nursing and NYU Aging Incubator.

The researchers further analyzed a subset of eight studies to determine if the greater the number of lost teeth, the greater the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Studies show that each tooth loss increases the risk of diagnosing cognitive impairment and dementia by 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively.

“This” dose-response “relationship between the number of lost teeth and the risk of cognitive decline significantly enhances the evidence that tooth loss is associated with cognitive impairment, and tooth loss predicts cognitive decline. It provides some evidence that it may be, “said Dr. Xiang Qi. In the release, a candidate from NYU Myers.

Previous studies have suggested a link between cognitive impairment and tooth loss, and researchers provide multiple potential explanations for this link. Missing teeth make chewing difficult and can lead to brain changes and malnutrition. In addition, studies suggest a link between cognitive decline and periodontal disease, a major cause of tooth loss. The possibility of alternatives is that tooth loss may reflect a socio-economic disadvantage, which is also a risk factor for cognitive decline.

“Our findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral health and its role in helping maintain cognitive function,” Wu said in a release.

reference

Cognitive impairment, tooth loss associated with increased dementia [news release].. EurekAlert; July 8, 2021. Accessed on July 8, 2021. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-07/nyu-tla063021.php

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Studies have found a link between tooth loss and cognitive impairment, dementia