Link between gum disease and poorer cognition in older adults

September, 2010

A strong association between gum inflammation and poorer cognitive performance in 70-year-olds has been found in a small study.

Following on from indications that gum disease might be a risk factor for dementia, analysis of data from 152 subjects in the Danish Glostrop Aging Study has revealed that periodontal inflammation at age 70 was strongly associated with lower cognitive scores (on the Digit Symbol Test). Those with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range compared to those with little or no periodontal inflammation. A larger follow-up study, among a more ethnically diverse range of subjects, is planned. I hope they also plan to extend the cognitive testing.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-08/nyu-nef080310.php

Reference:

The findings were presented by Dr. Angela Kamer at the 2010 annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research July 16, in Barcelona, Spain.

seniors

Aging

Related News

Cognitive training shown to help healthy older adults

Previous research has been equivocal about whether cognitive training helps cognitively healthy older adults.

Why exercise helps memory and learning

A number of studies, principally involving rodents, have established that physical exercise stimulates the creation of new brain cells in the

Resistance training benefits seniors with MCI

A study involving 86 older women (aged 70-80) with probable

Being active reduces Alzheimer's risk

A four-year study involving 716 elderly (average age 82) has revealed that those who were most physically active were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those least active.

Berries protect the aging brain

Over the years, I have reported on several studies that have found evidence that colorful berries — blueberries in particular (but I think that’s more of an artifact, due to the relative cheapness of these berries in North America) — benefit older b

Genes, brain size, brain atrophy, and Alzheimer’s risk

Genetic analysis of 9,232 older adults (average age 67; range 56-84) has implicated four genes in how fast your

Video game training benefits cognition in some older adults

A number of studies have found evidence that older adults can benefit from cognitive training.

Fluctuating sense of control linked to cognitive ability in older adults

Previous research has pointed to a typical decline in our sense of control as we get older. Maintaining a sense of control, however, appears to be a key factor in successful aging.

Larger belly linked to memory problems in people with HIV

A study involving 130 HIV-positive people has found that memory impairment was associated with a significantly larger waistline.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to brain aging

A study involving 1,575 older adults (aged 58-76) has found that those with DHA levels in the bottom 25% had smaller brain volume (equivalent to about 2 years of aging) and greater amounts of

Pages