Association of oral health and activities of daily living with cognitive impairment

Abstract

Objectives: This study compared the oral health status between elderly individuals with and without cognitive impairment and explored the association of oral health and activities of daily living (ADL) with cognitive impairment.

Methods: We conducted convenience sampling on patients aged more than 65 years and analysed data from 630 participants. Data were collected and analysed via a survey evaluating general characteristics, oral health behaviour, subjective oral health status, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and ADL.

Results: The path analysis and regression analysis of the association of oral health and ADL with cognitive impairment showed that the OHIP-14 was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment, whereas the GOHAI and ADL had significant associations with cognitive impairment. A 1-point increase in the GOHAI was associated with a 0.024-point increase in the cognitive impairment score, and a 1-point increase in the ADL was associated with a 0.006-point decrease in the cognitive impairment score (normal = 0, cognitive impairment = 1).

Conclusions: Poor oral health and ADL were associated with cognitive impairment. Therefore, oral hygiene management is important in maintaining oral health in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment.

Keywords: activities of daily living; cognitive impairment; geriatric oral health assessment index; oral health impact profile with 14 items.