Tooth Loss, Diet Quality, and Cognitive Decline Study

This document is a research article that investigates the association between tooth loss and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, with a focus on diet quality as a potential mediator. The study is a prospective cohort analysis involving community-dwelling older men who participated in the Northern Ireland PRIME study. The participants underwent dental examinations and cognitive rescreening over a 15-year period. The results indicate that tooth loss is significantly associated with an increased risk of MCI and dementia, with dietary diversity scores partially mediating this relationship. Specifically, the study found that 77.2% of participants were cognitively normal, while 17.8% had MCI and 4.9% had dementia at rescreening. The findings suggest a connection between oral health, dietary quality, and cognitive outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing tooth loss in the context of cognitive health in aging populations.