Cognitive Function and Oral Health in Older Adults in India
Author Information
Author(s): Kelekar Uma, Pan Xi, T Muhammad, Turner Sidney, Heyn Patricia, Wu Bei
Hypothesis
The study aimed to examine the association between cognitive function and oral health measures among middle-aged and older adults in India.
Conclusion
The study found that complete edentulism is linked to lower cognitive scores, while visiting a dentist is associated with higher cognitive scores.
Supporting Evidence
- Complete edentulism was associated with 3% lower cognitive scores.
- Dental care utilization was positively associated with cognitive function.
- Those who visited a dentist in the past 12 months had 6% higher cognition scores.
Takeaway
Older adults in India who have lost all their teeth tend to think less clearly, but those who go to the dentist do better in thinking tests.
Methodology
Data were analyzed using negative binomial regression models based on self-reported oral health problems and cognitive function scores.
Participant Demographics
Respondents were middle-aged and older adults aged 45 years and above in India.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.96, 0.99
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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