Researchers have revealed the potential harm of tooth loss in seniors, confirming that it increases their risk of developing dementia. According to the researchers who supervised the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, seniors who use dentures do not face a risk of dementia compared to those who lose their teeth and do not replace them, highlighting the necessity of dental implants in the elderly to prevent cognitive decline.
Commenting on the study, Bai Wu, a professor of public health at New York University and a participant in the research, stated, "The results we reached emphasize the importance of maintaining oral health, and its role in helping to preserve cognitive function as one ages." She added, "It is important to delve deeper into understanding the relationship between poor oral health and cognitive decline."
According to the researcher, tooth loss can lead to chewing problems, which may contribute to nutritional deficiencies or trigger harmful brain chemical changes. The researchers also found a link between gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss, and cognitive decline.
The scientists reached these conclusions after collecting data from over 14 studies on tooth loss and cognitive impairment, which included 34,074 adults, of whom 4,689 suffered from impaired cognitive function. Adults experiencing more tooth loss were at nearly 50 percent higher risk of cognitive impairment and a 30 percent higher risk of dementia compared to those who had not lost their teeth.
Dementia affects up to 6 million people in the United States, according to estimates by the Alzheimer's Association, and about one in six adults aged 65 or older experiences significant tooth loss as they age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
