Oral health and cognitive function: Insights from longitudinal ageing study in India (LASI) - A cross-sectional analysis
Introduction: The oral cavity is related to nervous system diseases, and oral issues have a bidirectional correlation with cognitive dysfunction. Thus, this study aims to explore the association between oral health problems and cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling Indian older adults. Materia...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950307824000468 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: The oral cavity is related to nervous system diseases, and oral issues have a bidirectional correlation with cognitive dysfunction. Thus, this study aims to explore the association between oral health problems and cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling Indian older adults. Materials and Methods: Utilizing data from LASI, a nationally representative cohort study, this study involved 30,726 participants aged ≥60 years. The oral health problems of study participants were self-reported. Cognitive impairment was assessed using composite score, and a score of less than -1.5 SD was defined as the presence of cognitive impairment. Results: In univariate analysis, significant associations were observed between oral health problems (loss of some natural teeth, OR: 1.33, 95 % CI: 1.15–1.52, p < 0.001; lost all natural teeth, OR: 2.33, 95 % CI: 1.97–2.76, p < 0.001) and ease of chewing solid food [Fairly well (OR: 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.33–1.71, p < 0.001) and not at all (OR: 2.37, 95 % CI: 2.11–2.67, p < 0.001)] with cognitive impairment. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for various factors, a significant association persisted between loss of all natural teeth (OR: 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.34–1.95, p < 0.001) and the ability to chew solid food. Specifically, individuals reporting chewing solid food “Fairly well” (OR: 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.16–1.52, p < 0.001) and those unable to chew at all (OR: 1.73, 95 % CI: 1.51–1.97, p < 0.001) with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore a compelling connection between oral health issues and cognitive impairment. Consequently, it is imperative to proactively identify and address oral health problems in older adults. |
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| ISSN: | 2950-3078 |