OP25 The association of poor oral health with a range of inflammatory markers: results from two population based studies of older people in the UK and USA

Abstract

Results Social and cultural engagement were both independently associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in older age in fully-adjusted models. Using time-to-event analyses, socialising once a week was associated with a 29% lower risk OR=0.71 95%CI 0.52-0.97 and cultural engagement every few months or more was associated with a 42% lower risk OR=0.58 95%CI 0.41-0.80. Using competing risk models, socialising OR=0.80 95%CI 0.59-1.08 and cultural engagement OR=0.65 95%CI 0.47-0.90. Using modified Fine and Gray Subdistribution hazards models, socialising OR=0.66 95%CI 0.53-0.82 and cultural engagement OR=0.42 95%CI 0.32-0.56. Community group activities were only associated with dementia in minimally-adjusted models. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses considering moderators, reverse causality, over-adjustment, and baseline cognitive function. ConclusionThe results presented here suggest that social and cultural engagement are independent risk-reducing factor for the development of dementia in older age. Even for those who lack contact with friends and family or who socialise infrequently, engagement with cultural venues, even on a less frequent basis, could be protective against the incidence of dementia. These findings align with broader findings relating to cognitive reserve and support the development of multimodal community-based interventions to promote healthy cognitive ageing amongst older adults.