A recent study published in Neurology has found a link between the number of teeth and the rate of left hippocampal atrophy in older adults, particularly when considering the severity of periodontitis. The study, conducted by researchers from Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry in Sendai, Japan, examined the longitudinal association between the number of teeth present (NTP) and hippocampal atrophy in a late middle-aged and older adult population. The results of the study highlighted the importance of maintaining dental health in order to preserve cognitive function.
The study involved 172 participants aged 55 years and older, with no cognitive decline. These participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and oral and systemic data collection twice over a four-year interval. Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth, was measured using the mean periodontal probing depth (PD).
The researchers found a significant qualitative interaction between the number of teeth present and mean PD when examining the annual symmetric percentage change in the left hippocampus. The regression coefficient of the number of teeth on the annual symmetric percentage change in the left hippocampus was significantly positive in the low-level mean PD group and significantly negative in the high-level mean PD group. Similar results were obtained using a linear mixed-effects model. In the higher mean PD group, the interaction of the number of teeth present and time was also significant.
These results highlight the importance of preserving the health of the teeth and not just retaining the teeth, said Satoshi Yamaguchi, lead author of the study. Controlling the progression of gum disease through regular dental visits is crucial, and teeth with severe gum disease may need to be extracted and replaced with appropriate prosthetic devices.
The findings of this research emphasize the connection between oral health and cognitive health in older adults. Maintaining good dental hygiene and seeking regular dental care are essential steps in preventing periodontitis and potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline associated with hippocampal atrophy. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms behind this association and to investigate potential preventive measures in more detail.
It is worth noting that several authors involved in the study disclosed ties to Omron Health Care Co. Ltd., and funding for the research was provided by several pharmaceutical companies.
In conclusion, this study suggests that maintaining good dental health, including regular dental visits to control gum disease, is crucial for preventing hippocampal atrophy and preserving cognitive function in older adults. By highlighting the importance of oral health in relation to cognitive decline, this research provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and individuals seeking to maintain their overall well-being as they age.
