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Tooth loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and volumetric brain differences: a population-based
Christina S Dintica1, Debora Rizzuto1, Anna Marseglia1
1Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
Neurobiology of Aging
|April 3, 2018
Summary
Tooth loss is linked to faster cognitive decline and reduced brain volume in older adults. This finding suggests that maintaining oral health may be important for preserving cognitive function and brain structure as we age.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Tooth loss is a common issue in older adults.
- Previous research suggests a link between tooth loss and cognitive impairment.
- The relationship between tooth loss and structural brain changes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tooth loss and cognitive decline.
- To examine the relationship between tooth loss and brain structure, including total brain volume and gray matter volume.
- To explore tooth loss as a potential risk factor for accelerated cognitive aging.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 2715 dementia-free participants aged 60 years and older, followed for up to 9 years.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a subsample (n=394) at baseline.
- Tooth loss data were collected at baseline, and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
- Statistical analyses included linear mixed-effects models and linear regression models.
Main Results:
- At baseline, 14.9% of participants had partial tooth loss and 7.6% had complete tooth loss.
- Tooth loss was significantly associated with a steeper rate of cognitive decline (β: -0.18, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.11), even after adjusting for confounders.
- Individuals with partial or complete tooth loss exhibited significantly lower total brain volume (β: -28.89, 95% CI: -49.33 to -8.45) and gray matter volume (β: -22.60, 95% CI: -38.26 to -6.94).
Conclusions:
- Tooth loss is significantly associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older adults.
- Tooth loss is linked to reduced total brain volume and gray matter volume.
- These findings suggest that tooth loss may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive aging and warrants further investigation.
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