J Oral Rehabil. 2023 May 9. doi: 10.1111/joor.13486. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral health may be associated with cognitive disorders such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

OBJECTIVE: This study elucidates the effects of oral health conditions on the progression of cognitive disorders.

METHODS: Data were collected from 153 participants of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia cohort who completed the longitudinal dental examinations and cognitive function assessments using the three-wave biannual survey. We analyzed the relationship between dental factors and the conversion of cognitive function.

RESULTS: The ratio of maxillary removable partial denture use (p = 0.03) was high in the converter and mild cognitive impairment/dementia groups. The low-grade ratio of posterior masticatory performance increased in the converter and mild cognitive impairment/dementia groups (modified Eichner index 2, p = 0.04). The mild cognitive impairment/dementia group had a higher rate of complete mandibular denture use (p < 0.001). The converter and mild cognitive impairment/dementia groups had fewer remaining teeth (p < 0.05) or removable prostheses (p < 0.01) than the normal group.

CONCLUSIONS: Masticatory performance is associated with the conversion of cognitive disorders. Our findings suggest that oral health management can help delay the progression of cognitive disorders.

PMID:37159220 | DOI:10.1111/joor.13486