Association of Periodontitis with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

Background: Early detection of cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment, is expected to provide a better prognosis. Several studies have suggested an association between periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment.

Objectives/design: To test the hypothesis that there is an association between severe periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment in community residents who participated in a dental health check-up program.

Participants/setting: Community residents who participated in our dental health checkup program were enrolled (age=67.5±9.9, 62.9% female).

Measurements: Mild cognitive impairment was tested using the MCI screening test. Periodontitis was diagnosed based on a widely used clinical periodontal parameter, the probing pocket depth. Statistical analysis was based on logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results: Among 321 subjects, mild cognitive impairment was detected in 41. Severe periodontitis (probing pocket depth > 6mm) was detected in 123 cases, with a higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in the severe periodontitis group (65.9%) than in the unimpaired group (34.3%). The inclusion of four variables (age, education, functional teeth, and presence of severe periodontitis) in a multivariate logistic regression model revealed a statistically significant difference in the association between severe periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio = 4.024, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: A strong association was seen between severe periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment. Severe periodontitis appears to be a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment, and patients with severe periodontitis should be assessed for mild cognitive impairment.