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Tooth loss, diet quality, and cognitive decline: A 15-year longitudinal study
Lewis Winning1, Danielle Logan2, Claire T McEvoy2
1Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2 D02 F859, Ireland.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|June 28, 2025
Summary
Tooth loss in older men is linked to a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Poor diet quality partially explains this connection, highlighting oral health
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Tooth loss is a common issue in older adults.
- Cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, poses a significant public health challenge.
- The relationship between oral health, diet, and cognitive function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between tooth loss and the incidence of MCI and dementia.
- To explore the mediating role of diet quality in the tooth loss-cognitive decline relationship.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 628 community-dwelling older men (aged 58-71 at baseline).
- Dental examinations and cognitive assessments (identifying normal cognition, MCI, or dementia) were conducted over a median follow-up of 15 years.
- Dietary diversity scores (DDS) were assessed using food frequency questionnaires; mediation analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Tooth loss (defined as <20 remaining natural teeth) was significantly associated with an increased incidence of MCI/dementia (OR=2.06).
- Dietary diversity scores partially mediated the relationship between tooth loss and cognitive decline, accounting for approximately 23% of the effect.
- The findings were adjusted for potential confounders in fully adjusted models.
Conclusions:
- Tooth loss is a significant risk factor for developing MCI and dementia in older men.
- Dietary quality acts as a partial mediator in the pathway linking oral health to cognitive outcomes.
- Maintaining oral health and good nutrition may be crucial for preserving cognitive function in aging populations.
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