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Edentulism Predicts Cognitive Decline in the US Health and Retirement Cohort Study
J A Jones1, K Moss2, T L Finlayson3
1University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|June 14, 2023
Summary
Older adults experience greater cognitive decline, especially if they are edentulous or do not use dental care. Maintaining oral health through regular dental visits and tooth retention is crucial for cognitive health preservation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
- The relationship between oral health, specifically edentulism and dental care use, and cognitive trajectories is not fully understood.
- Birth cohort effects may influence the rate of cognitive decline over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cognitive decline differs across birth cohorts, adjusting for covariates.
- To determine if edentulism and nonuse of dental care predict 10-year cognitive decline.
- To identify protective and risk factors for cognitive decline in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data (2006-2018).
- Linear mixed models for repeated measures analyzed cognitive trajectories.
- Eligibility included cognitive data and tooth loss status at 2+ time points; dental care use was assessed.
Main Results:
- Older birth cohorts exhibited greater cognitive decline compared to younger cohorts.
- Edentulism was a significant predictor of increased cognitive decline (estimate: -0.42).
- Regular dental care use (estimate: 0.17) and higher baseline cognition were protective factors against cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Edentulism and infrequent dental care are key predictors of accelerated cognitive decline in older adults.
- Tooth retention and consistent dental care are vital for maintaining both oral and cognitive health throughout life.
- Findings highlight the importance of integrating oral health interventions into strategies for cognitive health promotion in aging populations.
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