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Tooth Loss-associated Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: A Community-based Study in Japan
Hajime Kato1,2,3, Yoshimi Takahashi1, Chifumi Iseki1
1Division of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Internal Medicine III, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
Maintaining natural teeth is linked to better cognitive function in older adults. Using artificial teeth can also help preserve mental abilities, especially calculation skills, in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dental Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dementia poses a significant threat to healthy life expectancy in Japan.
- The number of teeth is a potential modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the number of natural and artificial teeth and cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly Japanese individuals.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, community-based study involving 210 elderly participants (mean age 78.1 years).
- Dental examinations and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were conducted alongside medical checkups.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between the number of natural teeth and MMSE scores.
- Cognitive function, particularly calculation ability, was independently associated with the number of natural teeth.
- Individuals with 20 or more total teeth (natural and artificial) showed higher MMSE scores compared to those with fewer than 20 teeth.
Conclusions:
- The number of natural teeth is significantly associated with cognitive function, especially calculation skills.
- The use of artificial teeth is linked to the preservation of cognitive function in elderly individuals.
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