Oral health and risk of cognitive disorders in older adults: A biannual longitudinal follow-up cohort

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 analysed the relationship between dental factors and the conversion of cognitive function.

Results: The ratio of maxillary removable partial denture use (p = .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 = .04). The mild cognitive impairment/dementia group had a higher rate of complete mandibular denture use (p < .001). The converter and mild cognitive impairment/dementia groups had fewer remaining teeth (p < .05) or removable prostheses (p < .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.