Tooth loss and cognitive functions among older adults

Abstract

The findings suggest that the presence of teeth may be of importance for cognitive abilities in older adults.

Rehabilitation of lost teeth related to maintenance of cognitive function

“…Our data showed that tooth loss was not associated with CI, while NRLT was associated with CI. An American study and Swedish study showed that severe tooth loss was associated with CI, while moderate tooth loss was not (Naorungroj et al, ; Nilsson, Berglund, & Renvert, ). A Brazilian study showed that tooth loss is associated with severe CI and age modifies the association between tooth loss and cognition among older Brazilian people (Peres et al, ).…”

Dental deafferentation and brain damage: A review and a hypothesis

“…However, as the brain ages, the plasticity of the brain decreases [31,32], and it is theorized that further shocks to the brain's functions by major DDs that cause chronic dysfunctional or impaired mastication (such as the loss of strategic molars, generalized periodontal detachments and/or orthodontic management) may result in the brain's suffering varying degrees of impact in different areas. In the aging process, multiple major DDs and consequent effects may lead to blunted sensory perceptions [7–11], and cognitive and memory impairment in old age [12–30,41–53,63–65], thus contributing to the onset or aggravation of dementia or AD.…”

“…DD is shown by both animal and clinical researches to have a positive association with memory and cognitive status [12–30,41–53,63–65]. The conversion rate from MCI to dementia is reportedly 20–50% within 5 years [66,67].…”

“…Examples of DD include: Tooth loss, local and/or generalized periodontal detachment, improper operative or prosthetic restorations, and orthodontic managements and the unavoidable consequence of impaired mastication. These DDs may cause sensory and motor cortical reorganization [1–4], affect cerebral functional streams toward multisensory hubs [5,6], impair gustatory, auditory and olfactory perceptions [7–11], and result in memory and cognition impairment [12–30].…”

“…The greatest risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older adults is age itself [31,32]. Accumulating scientific evidence has indicated a correlation between DD and impaired brain functions such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and even prodromes of AD and dementia [12–30]. A recent review of both animal trials and clinical research [33] has highlighted the causal relationship of mastication on cognitive functions.…”