Cognitive function and oral health in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often associated with reduced cognitive function, and there is also emerging evidence of a heightened vulnerability to oral health problems. However, although links between cognitive function and oral health have been identified in other special populations, it remains to be established whether this relationship is also evident for people with MS. The aim of this study was to provide the first empirical test of whether there is a relationship between cognitive function and oral health in people diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

One hundred and eleven individuals were evaluated: 56 people diagnosed with RRMS and 55 demographically matched healthy controls. All participants completed an objective oral health assessment as well as a standardized battery that assessed six distinct neurocognitive domains.

Relative to controls, people with RRMS presented with higher rates of decayed teeth and mild gingivitis, and also performed more poorly in three of the six neurocognitive domains assessed (language, complex attention, and executive function). However, for the RRMS group, no associations emerged between oral health with performance on any of the six neurocognitive domains.

These data cross-validate previous research which shows people with RRMS are more likely to present with both reduced cognitive function and poorer oral health, but also extends this literature in a meaningful way by additionally showing for the first time that these clinical features are unrelated in RRMS.

The findings emphasize the need for early assessment of both oral health and cognitive function in people with RRMS so that appropriate interventions and support can be put in place for each of these clinical symptoms.