Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Saudamini G More
drsaudamini90@gmail.com

Abstract

This review article aims to update and consolidate the scientific data available regarding the link between cognition and oral health in the elderly population. This review was undertaken in May 2020. Arigorous data search and selection strategy in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines were employed. The population (P) considered was “elderly” (more than 50 years of age), exposure (E) was cognitive difficulty, compared
(C) with healthy individuals (in few studies), and the outcome (O) assessed was oral health status. English language articles published from January 1990 to May 2020 were searched. Twenty five articles were identified that assessed oral health and at least one of the specific cognitive domains along with at least one cofactor in an older adult cohort study. For every cognitive domain such as learning and memory, complex attention, and executive function, most studies identified significant associations with oral health (when covariates were not adjusted for). In addition, clinical determined poorer oral health status was associated with less frequent of dental visits. In the presence of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory markers in geriatric patients, oral health status has shown to be poor. The present review incorporated longitudinal,
prospective cohort studies along with cross-sectional studies. This review mediates evidence of an association between cognitive functions with oral health in old age along with other cofactors such as associated systemic disease and socioeconomic status. The present article will help clinicians better understand the role of cognitive functions in oral health conditions in elderly.

Keywords: Geriatric dentistry, Periodontal health, Edentulous