Tooth Loss, Cognitive Impairment and Fall Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults in Rural Thailand

Abstract

Tooth loss is associated with both cognitive impairment and fall risk. However, the relationships between these variables are complex and bidirectional. Observed associations have been reported in separate studies but data on rural-dwelling older adults remain sparse. This cross-sectional study investigated socioeconomic and dental factors affecting cognitive functions, and the association between tooth loss, cognitive functioning, and fall risk. Two hundred and thirty-one rural-dwelling older adults (60–74 years old) were recruited from a single Dental Service Unit. Cognitive function and fall risk were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Morse Fall Scale, respectively. Oral examinations were performed by a dentist using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs form. 38.1%, had >16 tooth loss. Socioeconomic data and health status were obtained from a questionnaire and interviews. Age, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and the number of teeth lost was significantly associated with impaired cognitive function. Chi-square analysis showed that cognitive function was also associated with fall risk. Past research suggests that much cognitive impairment and fall risk is induced by tooth loss. Service planners need to be aware of the complex bidirectional relationships between these variables and give higher priority to dental services that can improve the general health status and social functioning of older rural adults.

Analysis of factors influencing fall risk among elderly people in rural of China

“…Morse Fall Risk Assessment Scale (MFS): Developed by American scholar Morse et al 30 in 1989, this scale was originally adapted by Chinese scholar Zhou 31 to measure the fall risk of hospitalized elderly patients, and is now widely used to measure the fall risk of elderly people in communities [32][33][34][35] . The scale consisted of six items, including history of falls, diagnosis of more than one disease, use of assistive devices while walking, use of intravenous fluids or medication, gait/movement and mental state.…”

La masticación, su relación con la disfunción cognitiva y la rehabilitación oral como una medida preventiva

“…Se recomienda que, para la prevención del deterioro cognitivo, es importante tener un manejo de la cavidad oral (2), pues aquellas personas con menos de 20 dientes tienen riesgo de desarrollar DC (17), para algunos autores como Jiang, Liu y Lü (24), se tiene riesgo de padecer DC a partir de 22 dientes perdidos. Cuando se hacen presentes las disfunciones cognitivas, el adulto mayor está en riesgo de padecer mayor cantidad de caídas (27).…”