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People who start losing their teeth are more likely to develop DEMENTIA – but dentures may protect against cognitive decline, study finds
- Scientists performed a meta-analysis of 14 studies involving a total of 34,074 adults
- Adults who lost their teeth were 1.28 times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia
- The reason for the link remains unclear, but there are several explanations
- Missing teeth make chewing difficult, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, while there may be a link between gum disease and cognitive decline
People who start to lose their teeth are more likely to develop dementia, a new study has warned.
Researchers at New York University have found that tooth loss is a risk factor for both dementia and cognitive impairment – and with every tooth lost, the risk increases.
Conversely, good oral health, including dentures, may protect against cognitive decline, according to the team.
While the reason for the link remains unclear, the researchers suggest a number of factors may be at play.
For example, missing teeth can lead to difficulty chewing, which can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, while there may also be a link between gum disease and cognitive decline.
Dr Bei Wu, who led the study, said, “Given the staggering number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia each year, and the potential to improve oral health throughout. Of life, it is important to better understand the link between poor oral health and cognitive decline.
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Researchers at New York University have found that tooth loss is a risk factor for both dementia and cognitive impairment – and with every tooth lost, the risk increases (stock image)
Dementia is a syndrome associated with a continuing decline in brain function, which affects about one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80.
The syndrome is caused by damage to brain cells that interferes with the ability of cells to communicate with each other.
The Alzheimer’s Association explained, “These changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily living and independent function. They also affect behavior, feelings, and relationships.
In the study, the team tried to understand whether oral health was linked to dementia.
They conducted a meta-analysis of 14 studies including a total of 34,074 adults and 4,689 cases of people with impaired cognitive function.
Their analysis found that adults with more tooth loss had a 1.48-fold higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and a 1.28-fold higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia.
However, adults with missing teeth were more likely to have cognitive impairment if they did not have dentures, compared to those who did.
This suggests that good oral health can help slow cognitive decline.
Adults with missing teeth were more likely to have cognitive impairment if they did not have dentures, compared to those who did.
Looking further into the results, the researchers found that each additional missing tooth was associated with a 1.4 percent increased risk of cognitive impairment and a 1.1 percent increased risk of dementia.
Xiang Qi, who worked on the study, said, “This ‘dose-response’ relationship between the number of missing teeth and the risk of decreased cognitive function significantly strengthens the evidence linking tooth loss to cognitive impairment, and provides evidence that tooth loss can predict cognitive decline.
While the reason for the link remains unclear, researchers have a range of possible theories.
Missing teeth can lead to chewing problems, which can contribute to nutritional deficiencies or promote changes in the brain.
Meanwhile, previous studies have found a link between gum disease – the leading cause of tooth loss – and cognitive decline.
The researchers also point out that tooth loss may reflect lifelong socio-economic disadvantages that are also risk factors for cognitive decline.
Dr Wu added, “Our results underscore the importance of maintaining good oral health and its role in preserving cognitive function.”
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE MORAL SICKNESS THAT STEALS THE SUFFERING OF THEIR MEMORIES
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those that affect the brain) that impact memory, thinking, and behavior.
There are many types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people can have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of the type diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own way.
Dementia is a global concern, but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live to very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer Society reports that there are more than 850,000 people with dementia in the UK today, of which over 500,000 have Alzheimer’s disease.
It is estimated that the number of people with dementia in the UK by 2025 will reach over 1 million.
In the United States, it is estimated that there are 5.5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, the risk of developing dementia also increases.
Diagnosis rates are improving, but it is believed that many people with dementia still go undiagnosed.
IS THERE A HEALING?
There is currently no cure for dementia.
But new drugs can slow its progression and the earlier it is detected, the more effective the treatments.
Source: Alzheimer Society
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