Relationship Between the Amount of Amalgam Filling and Cognition in Older Adults

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dental amalgam filling and cognition in older adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 169 patients aged 65 years and above were recruited from a geriatric outpatient clinic. Their socio-demographic and chronic disease data were recorded. All patients underwent oral examinations. Amalgam filling index scores were calculated for individuals with amalgam fillings. The participants were divided into a study group [amalgam (+)] and a control group [amalgam (–)] based on their amalgam-filling statuses. For sub-analysis, the amalgam-filled group was categorised according to high (≥4.191) and low (<4.191) mean index scores. Standardised mini-mental test, clock drawing test and Lawton–Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale were conducted for all patients. Results: About 46.2% (n=78) of participants were female, mean age was 69.6 ± 6.3 years and 53.7% (n=89) had amalgam fillings. There was no significant difference in the standardised mini-mental test, clock drawing test and Lawton–Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale scores between the study and control groups (all p>0.05), or in all test scores between participants with high and low amalgam scores in the group with amalgam fillings. Conclusions: This study showed that dental amalgam fillings were not associated with cognitive decline in older adults. Keywords: Aged; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dental Amalgam.