Tooth loss associated with cognitive impairment and dementia: Study

Cognitive impairment and dementia were defined by neuropsychological tests, diagnostic criteria, or medical records. Tooth loss was self-reported or assessed by clinical examinations.

The results of the study are as follows:

· Fourteen studies were entered into the meta-analysis, including 34,074 participants and 4689 cases with diminished cognitive function.

· Participants with more tooth loss had 1.48 times higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and 1.28 times higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia; however, the association was nonsignificant for participants using dentures.

· Eight studies were included in the dose-response analysis, and data supported the use of linear models.

· Each additional tooth loss was associated with a 0.014 increased relative risk of cognitive impairment and 0.011 elevated relative risks of dementia.

· Edentulous participants faced 1.54 times higher risk of cognitive impairment and 1.40 times higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia.

Thus, the researchers concluded that moderate-quality evidence suggested tooth loss was independently associated with cognitive impairment and dementia; risk of diminished cognitive function increased with incremental numbers of teeth lost. Furthermore, timely prosthodontic treatment with dentures may reduce the progression of cognitive decline related to tooth loss.

Reference:

Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia by Qi X et. al published in the JAMDA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009