Tooth loss, chewing efficiency and cognitive impairment in geriatric patients

Gerodontology. 2015 Jun;32(2):149-56. doi: 10.1111/ger.12079. Epub 2013 Oct 16.

Abstract

Background: Patients with dementia have poorer oral health and fewer teeth than their peers without cognitive impairment.

Objective: The hypothesis of this study is that the number of natural teeth and the chewing efficiency are associated with cognitive functioning.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 29 patients diagnosed with dementia aged 75 years or older and 22 controls who were either cognitively normal (n = 19) or with mild cognitive impairment (n = 3). Neuropsychological, nutritional and dental assessments were performed. The chewing efficiency was evaluated with a two-colour mixing test.

Results: Demented patients and controls presented with a mean of 4.9 and 6.5 teeth, respectively (n.s.). The number of natural teeth was not associated with dementia (p = 0.553). Same results were found for age (p = 0.746) and sex (p = 0.901). The chewing efficiency by visual inspection proved worse in participants with dementia than in the controls (p < 0.011) and explained 9.3% of the variance in the diagnosis of dementia. Neither dental state nor chewing efficiency was related to the nutritional state.

Conclusion: Chewing efficiency seems stronger associated with cognitive impairment than the number of teeth. Hence, in a more holistic approach for the geriatric assessment, the dental examination may be complemented by a chewing efficiency test.

Keywords: chewing; dementia; elderly; geriatrics; mild cognitive impairment; risk factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / physiopathology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mastication / physiology*
  • Oral Health
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Class
  • Tooth Loss / physiopathology*