Longitudinal evaluation of periodontitis and development of cognitive decline among older adults

AIM: to determine whether having periodontitis is associated with cognitive decline among older adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective population study of older adults, Swedish National Study on Ageing and Care, (SNAC) provided repeated registrations of cognitive functions. Cognitive decline was defined as ≥ 3-points deterioration from a predetermined level at baseline, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Between 2001 and 2003, 715 individuals had a medical as well as a clinical and radiographic dental examination. The individuals were re-examined after 6 years. Periodontitis was defined as ≥ 4mm bone loss at ≥ 30% of tooth sites. Social variables were captured from questionnaires.

RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between prevalence of periodontitis and cognitive decline after adjustments of confounding factors of importance.

CONCLUSIONS: A history of periodontitis may be of importance for cognitive functions among older adults. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.