Fu Y-D, Li C-L, Hu C-L et al. Meta Analysis of the Correlation between Periodontal Health and Cognitive Impairment in the Older Population. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2024; 11: 1307-1315.

Poor periodontal health, assessed across four dimensions represents a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment in older adults.

This meta-analysis explored the correlation between periodontal health and cognitive impairment in the older population. A comprehensive search was conducted in 2023 to include both cross-sectional as well as longitudinal cohort studies and a meta-analysis was performed. Twenty-two studies involving a total of 4,246,608 patients were included to comprehensively assess periodontal health from four dimensions (periodontitis, tooth loss, occlusal support, and masticatory ability), with the outcome variable of cognitive impairment (including mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and all-cause dementia). Compared to those of periodontally healthy older adults, the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults with poor periodontal health, after adjusting for confounders, was significantly greater for those with periodontitis, tooth loss, compromised occlusal support, and reduced masticatory ability. The risk of cognitive impairment was higher in older adults with low dentition than in those with high dentition.