Oral Health and Cognitive Decline May Be Related
Approximately 36 percent of people in the U.S. above the age of 70 years are living with some degree of cognitive decline. Research suggests that the decline could be linked to poor oral health.
Key takeaways:
- Conditions such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes will aggravate oral health problems since they lower the body immunity and ability to fight off infection.
- Oral health measures include number of teeth, presence of cavities and/or dementia.
- Factors that cause poor oral health (poor nutrition and diabetes) are associated with poor cognitive function.
Dr. Wu says: “Clinical evidence suggests that the frequency of oral health problems increases significantly in cognitively impaired older people, particularly those with dementia.”
Read the full story here
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308520.php