Link Between Severe Gum Disease and Memory Loss in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Brahmbhatt Yash, Alqaderi Hend, Chinipardaz Zahra
Primary Institution: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Hypothesis
There is a positive association between severe periodontitis and the risk of cognitive decline, mediated by inflammatory biomarkers.
Conclusion
Lower cognitive performance correlates with a higher likelihood of severe periodontitis, and alkaline phosphatase enhances this association.
Supporting Evidence
- Each one-point increase in cognitive function score was associated with a 2% decrease in the odds of severe periodontitis.
- ALP was a significant effect modifier in the relationship between severe periodontitis and cognitive decline.
- Individuals with severe periodontitis had lower mean cognitive function scores compared to those without.
Takeaway
If older people have bad gum disease, it might make their memory worse. A special enzyme in the blood can make this connection stronger.
Methodology
Cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data from 2013-2014 using logistic regression to assess the association between severe periodontitis and cognitive decline.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification bias due to reliance on non-clinical cognitive assessments.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation, and there was no clinical assessment data for cognitive impairment.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 65 and older, with a mix of males and females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Confidence Interval
0.97–0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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