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Association of Gum Treatment with Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk among Older Adults with Periodontal Symptoms: A 12-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study examines the associations of gum treatment with cognitive decline and dementia risk among older adults with periodontal symptoms in the USA. METHODS: A cohort of 866 adults aged ≥50 with periodontal symptoms was recruited for the 2008 Health and Retirement Study "Dental Health Experimental Module" and followed until 2020. Cognitive function was assessed with the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS). Dementia status was ascertained with the Langa-Weir algorithm based on TICS scores and proxy assessments. Linear mixed-effects model and multivariable Cox regression models were utilized to analyze the associations of gum treatment with cognitive decline and the risk of dementia, respectively. RESULTS: Of 866 participants (mean age 67.7, 61.4% women), 105 (12.1%) developed dementia with a median follow-up of 9 (IQR, 6-10) years. The dementia incidence rates were lower in the group with gum treatment (7.4 vs. 12.9 per 1,000 person-years). Compared with participants who did not have gum treatment, those with gum treatment experienced a decline in TICS score that was on average 0.025 (95% CI, 0.005-0.044) points less per year and a 38% lower incidence of dementia (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.93). These associations were consistent across participants with a different severity of periodontal symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education) except for income levels. CONCLUSION: Prompt gum treatment for older adults with periodontal symptoms may be beneficial for their cognitive health.

Source: Neuroepidemiology

DOI: 10.1159/000540086

Authors: Xiang Qi, Zheng Zhu, Katherine Wang, Yaguang Zheng, An Li, Bei Wu

Institutions: New York University, Fudan University, Duke University, Southern Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities