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Tooth loss increases the risk of diminished cognitive function

Systematic review shows association between tooth loss, reduced cognitive function in adults

Date:
March 23, 2016
Source:
International & American Associations for Dental Research
Summary:
A team of researchers systematically assessed the association between oral health and cognitive function in adult populations, and found that there is an association between tooth loss and reduced cognitive function.
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The International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) have published an article titled "Tooth Loss Increases the Risk of Diminished Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" in the OnlineFirst portion of the JDR Clinical & Translational Research. In it, Cerutti-Kopplin et al systematically assessed the association between oral health and cognitive function in adult populations.

The increase of cognitive impairment and its pathologic correlates, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, in aging populations is progressing worldwide and creating a significant burden on health systems. Better insight into the nature and extent of the association between oral health and cognitive function is of great importance since it could lead to preventive interventions for cognitive performance. Therefore, the objective of this review was to systematically examine if tooth loss leads to cognitive impairment and its most prevalent pathologic correlate (dementia).

Eligible study reports were identified by searching the MEDLINE (via Ovoid), EMBASE, PsycoINFO and Cochrane Library databases. Pooled hazard ratios with 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated with a random effects model. From 1,251 identified articles, 10 were included in the systematic review and eight in the meta-analysis. Random effects analysis showed, with statistically low heterogeneity, that individuals with less than 20 teeth were at a 20 percent higher risk for developing cognitive decline (hazard ratios equal 1.26, 95 percent confidence intervals equal 1.14 to 1.40) and dementia (hazard ratios equal 1.22, 95 percent confidence intervals equal 1.04 to 1.43) than those with greater than or equal to 20 teeth.

Based on the published literature, the results of this study show that the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia increases with loss of teeth. This information suggests that oral health strategies aimed to preserve teeth may be important in reducing risk of systemic disease.


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Materials provided by International & American Associations for Dental Research. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. D. Cerutti-Kopplin, J. Feine, D. M. Padilha, R. F. de Souza, M. Ahmadi, P. Rompre, L. Booij, E. Emami. Tooth Loss Increases the Risk of Diminished Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JDR Clinical & Translational Research, 2016; 1 (1): 10 DOI: 10.1177/2380084416633102

Cite This Page:

International & American Associations for Dental Research. "Tooth loss increases the risk of diminished cognitive function." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 March 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160323152025.htm>.
International & American Associations for Dental Research. (2016, March 23). Tooth loss increases the risk of diminished cognitive function. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160323152025.htm
International & American Associations for Dental Research. "Tooth loss increases the risk of diminished cognitive function." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160323152025.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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