Tooth loss, dementia may be linked

LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers suggested that tooth loss may predict the development of dementia later in life but they can't say if the association is causal or casual.

The study, published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, finds those with few teeth -- zero to nine -- have an increased risk of developing dementia compared with those who had 10 or more teeth.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and College of Dentistry, in Lexington, point out past studies show patients with dementia are more likely than patients without the condition to have poor oral health. However, the researchers haven't determined whether poor oral health may contribute to the development of dementia.

For the study, data from 144 participants in the Nun Study, a study of aging and Alzheimer’s disease among Roman Catholic nuns of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Milwaukee was used. Dental records were compared with the results of annual cognitive examinations given to members of the order.

In addition to periodontal disease, early life nutritional deficiencies, infections or chronic diseases may result simultaneously to tooth loss and damage to the brain, the researchers said.