According to research, people with both diabetes and tooth loss become more at risk of cognitive decline as they age.
The results highlight the importance of diabetes control for older adults and regular dental care, said the team, led by New York University (NYU) Ph.D. Bei Wu. Wu is Associate Dean for Research at New York University's Rory Meyers College of Nursing and Co-Director of the New York University Aging Incubator.
“The results of our study once again remind us that dental care and diabetes control are very important for older people in reducing the devastating personal and social costs associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias,” Wu said.
Diabetes has been linked to cognitive decline and dementia, as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, inflammation, and heart disease are thought to cause changes in the brain. The team noted that the study also showed a similar relationship between poor oral health, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and cognitive impairment, due in part to the inflammation caused by these conditions. In addition, nutritional deficiencies exacerbated by impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity may contribute to cognitive impairment.
To assess cognitive change over time in 9,948 adults grouped by age (65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and older), the study analyzed 12 years of data (from 2006 to 2018) from the Health Study and the retirement of the University of Michigan. Participants' memory and cognitive function were monitored every two years, along with tooth loss, diabetes, and other medical and demographic factors. Wu's team has especially focused on those who have lost all their teeth.
The study showed the following results:
- Participants aged 65 to 84 years who had both diabetes and total dentition showed worse cognitive function.
- Participants aged 65 to 74 years who had only diabetes experienced an accelerated decline cognitive abilities.
- Participants aged 65 to 84 who had no teeth experienced accelerated cognitive decline, but older adults aged 65 to 74 who had both diabetes and edentulism, this rate was the fastest.
According to Wu and colleagues, the results of the study show that older people with both poor health and diabetes should visit the dentist regularly and adhere to a course of treatment diabetes.
“Access to dental care for older adults, especially those with diabetes, is critical, and healthcare providers should educate their patients about the link between oral health and cognitive ability,” Wu said.