Mediating Effect of Cognitive Function on the Relationship Between Geriatric Oral Health and Quality of Life Among Korean Seniors

Abstract

Objectives: Previous studies have found that the oral health of seniors can affect their physical nutrition and quality of life (QoL). Additionally, poor oral health can lead to the development of dementia, which is associated with decreased cognitive function. This study aimed to examine the impact of geriatric oral health (GOH) on the QoL of Korean seniors and the mediating effects of cognitive function.Methods: We used data from the seventh Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging conducted in 2018. In total, 4049 seniors were included in our study. We analyzed the impact of GOH on QoL according to 5 mediating domains of cognitive function and control variables. To examine each path of mediating effects, bootstrapping with 5000 iterations was performed with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Our findings revealed that good GOH had a positive effect on the QoL of seniors. Also, better GOH corresponded to a higher degree of cognitive function within all 5 domains: orientation, memory registration, attention/calculation, memory recall, and language and visuospatial ability. In addition, 3 domains of the 5 domains (attention/calculation, memory recall, and language and visuospatial ability) had significant mediating effects on the relationship between GOH and QoL.Conclusions: This study suggests that adequate management of GOH is crucial for promoting a better QoL and a high degree of cognitive function among seniors. To prevent cognitive impairment, such as dementia, future studies should take a more targeted approach by examining data according to each cognitive domain and various socio-demographic factors.

Saúde bucal e promoção da saúde no envelhecimento: revisão narrativa

“…A necessidade cada vez maior de tratamento bucal da população idosa vem sendo um grande desafio à odontologia, conforme apresentado na maioria dos estudos. Em relação às práticas de cuidado em saúde bucal para idosos, observou-se que grande parte das publicações gira em torno das necessidades do idoso, da autopercepção de saúde bucal, como também da noção de conhecimento em relação a tais práticas (Chang et al, 2022;Minaki et al, 2022;Schensul et al, 2022;Tsakos et al, 2021;Choi et al, 2021;Kenny et al, 2021;Tenaqui et al, 2020;Wong et al, 2020;Lee et al, 2020;Nokura et al, 2020;Valentin et al, 2019;Li et al, 2019;Seo et al, 2019;Li et al, 2018;Castrejon -Perez et al, 2017).…”

Association of Denture Use and Chewing Ability with Cognitive Function Analysed Using Panel Data from Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2018)

“…Dementia is caused by various disorders, including degenerative brain disorders, cerebrovascular disease, endocrine disease, hydrocephalus, and brain tumours; several recent studies report that oral health affects cognitive function [ 3 , 4 ]. Since oral health affects nutritional status in older adults, it should be considered together with physical and mental health [ 5 ]. Gingival bleeding, stomatitis, oral soft tissue disorders, such as mucosal lesions and decreased saliva volume, periodontal disease characterized by periodontal bone resorption, and tooth loss can be risk factors for cognitive decline [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”