Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Association between tooth loss and the development of mild memory impairment in the elderly: the Fujiwara-kyo Study
Nozomi Okamoto1, Masayuki Morikawa2, Kimiko Tomioka1
1Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Nara Medical University, Japan.
Background:
Tooth loss may be a modifiable risk factor for memory disorders, but the causal relationship has not been evaluated sufficiently.
Objective:
This 5-year prospective cohort study investigated the effect of tooth loss on the development of mild memory impairment (MMI) among the elderly.
Methods:
Data are from the baseline and follow-up examinations of 2,335 community residents who were cognitively intact at baseline. The number of remaining teeth at baseline was classified as zero, 1-8, 9-16, 17-24, and 25-32. The main outcome for the analysis was the development of MMI at follow-up.
Results:
After adjustment for potential confounding factors in multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of per 1 tooth loss at baseline was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.03). The odds ratio of edentulism for MMI was 2.39 (1.48-3.86) compared to 25-32 teeth. The odds ratio of becoming edentulous compared to retaining 1-8 teeth in the 1-8 teeth group at baseline was 4.68 (1.50-14.58).
Conclusion:
Tooth loss predicts the development of MMI among the elderly.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Dementia l: Introduction
Teeth
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...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
Cognitive Development During Adulthood

