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People who start losing their teeth are more likely to develop dementia, a new study has warned.
Researchers from New York University found that tooth loss is a risk factor for both dementia and cognitive impairment – and with each tooth lost, the risk grows.
Conversely, good oral health, including dentures, may protect against cognitive decline, according to the team.
While the reason for the link remains unclear, the researchers suggest a number of factors could be at play.
For example, missing teeth can lead to difficulty chewing, which may contribute to nutritional deficiencies, while there may also be a link between gum disease and cognitive decline.
Dr Bei Wu, who led the study, said: ‘Given the staggering number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia each year, and the opportunity to improve oral health across the lifespan, it's important to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between poor oral health and cognitive decline.'
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Researchers from New York University found that tooth loss is a risk factor for both dementia and cognitive impairment – and with each tooth lost, the risk grows (stock image)
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, which affects roughly one in 14 people over the age of 65, and one in six people over 80.
The syndrome is caused by damage to brain cells that interferes with the ability of the cells to communicate with each other.
Alzheimer’s Association explained: ‘These changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. They also affect behaviour, feelings and relationships.’
In the study, the team set out to understand whether oral
