Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:26
Assessing Pupil-linked Changes in Locus Coeruleus-mediated Arousal Elicited by Trigeminal Stimulation
Published on: November 26, 2019
Relationship between natural teeth and memory in a healthy elderly population
Patrik Hansson1, Karin Sunnegårdh-Grönberg, Jan Bergdahl
1Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. patrik.hansson@psy.umu.se
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|July 12, 2013
Summary
Maintaining natural teeth is linked to better episodic memory in older adults. This study suggests a significant, though small, relationship between the number of teeth and memory performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- The connection between chewing (mastication) and cognitive abilities is not fully understood.
- Existing research in animals and humans suggests a potential causal link.
- Hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions, like memory, may be influenced by oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that natural teeth are important for hippocampus-based cognitive processes.
- To examine the relationship between the number of natural teeth and cognitive functions, particularly episodic memory.
- To determine if oral health status impacts various cognitive domains in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 273 participants aged 55-80.
- Participants underwent comprehensive health assessments, cognitive testing, and detailed oral examinations.
- Statistical analyses were used to assess the unique contribution of natural teeth to cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- The number of natural teeth significantly predicted performance in episodic and semantic memory tests.
- This association remained significant after accounting for factors like age, education, and medical history.
- No significant relationship was found between the number of natural teeth and working memory, visuospatial ability, or processing speed.
Conclusions:
- A small but statistically significant association exists between the number of natural teeth and episodic memory in older adults.
- Natural teeth appear to play a role in specific cognitive functions, particularly memory.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mastication-cognition relationship and its underlying mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:23Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...