The relationship between DMFT index and cognitive impairment: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Oral Health and Cognitive Function
• Dental Public Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cognitive disorders impact memory, judgment, language, and attention.
• The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) is a key tool for assessing cognitive function.
• The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index is crucial for evaluating dental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the DMFT index and cognitive disorders.
• To assess this relationship in adults aged 25-55 in Rafsanjan, Iran, during 2019.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 350 participants aged 25-55.
• Data collection included demographic information, the MoCA test, and dental examinations for DMFT index calculation.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, with a significance level of P < 0.05.

Main Results:

• A significant negative relationship was observed between the MoCA score and DMFT index (P=0.001).
• Higher DMFT index scores were associated with more severe cognitive impairments.
• Education significantly influenced the relationship between DMFT and MoCA scores (P=0.001).

Conclusions:

• The DMFT index shows a significant association with cognitive disorders.
• Elevated DMFT index scores indicate a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment.
• This study underscores the importance of oral health in maintaining cognitive function.