Association Between Dental Implants and Cognitive Function in Community-dwelling Older Adults in Korea
- Author:
Seungkook KI
1
;
Jihye YUN
;
Jinhee KIM
;
Yunhwan LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2019;52(5):333-343
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to evaluate the association between dental implants and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.
METHODS:Data were collected from the baseline survey (2016–2017) of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. The study sample comprised 1115 community-dwelling people aged 70 years to 84 years who had 0-19 natural teeth. Dental implants and natural teeth were identified by panoramic radiography, while the cognitive function was assessed by the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-KC). The association between dental implants and cognitive function was analyzed by multiple linear regression. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test for potential bias.
RESULTS:The mean number of natural teeth in the study population was 9.50 (standard deviation [SD], 6.42), and the mean MMSE-KC score was 24.93 (SD, 3.55). In the simple univariate analysis, tooth replacement, age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, osteoporosis, number of natural teeth, periodontitis, chewing discomfort, tooth-brushing frequency, education level, monthly household income, participation in economic activity, living alone, and marital status had a significant impact on the association. After adjusting for confounders, the association between dental implants and cognitive function remained significant (B, 0.85; standard error, 0.40; p<0.05). Age, body mass index, periodontitis, tooth-brushing frequency, and education level were also significantly associated with cognitive function. The results of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with those of the primary analysis.
CONCLUSIONS:Dental implants were associated with cognitive function in older adults living in the community. Dental implants as tooth replacements may play a role in preserving cognitive function.
