Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
13.0K
Cognitive function and oral health in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Nithin Manchery1, Julie D Henry2, Andrew Swayne3,4
1School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia. n.manchery@uq.edu.au.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|November 13, 2021
Summary
People with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) show poorer oral health and cognitive function. However, this study found no direct link between oral health and cognitive performance in RRMS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oral Health
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to cognitive decline and oral health issues.
- Previous studies suggest a connection between cognitive function and oral health in other groups.
- The relationship in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive function and oral health in individuals with RRMS.
- To provide the first empirical evidence on this specific association in RRMS.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 111 participants: 56 with RRMS and 55 healthy controls.
- Conducted objective oral health assessments.
- Administered a neurocognitive battery assessing six domains.
Main Results:
- RRMS group had higher rates of decayed teeth and gingivitis compared to controls.
- RRMS participants performed worse in language, complex attention, and executive function.
- No significant associations were found between oral health and cognitive performance within the RRMS group.
Conclusions:
- Confirms higher prevalence of cognitive and oral health issues in RRMS.
- Demonstrates that these clinical features are unrelated in RRMS.
- Highlights the importance of assessing both oral health and cognition early in RRMS management.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
493
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
493
01:27Language and Cognition
504
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
504
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
141
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
141
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
371
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,...
371
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
235
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
235
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
740
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
740