Oral health and cognitive function: Insights from longitudinal ageing study in India (LASI) - A cross-sectional analysis

The oral cavity is related to nervous system diseases, and oral issues have a bidirectional correlation with cognitive dysfunction. Thus, this study aims to explore the association between oral health problems and cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling Indian older adults. Utilizing data from LASI, a nationally representative cohort study, this study involved 30,726 participants aged ≥60 years. The oral health problems of study participants were self-reported. Cognitive impairment was assessed using composite score, and a score of less than -1.5 SD was defined as the presence of cognitive impairment. In univariate analysis, significant associations were observed between oral health problems (loss of some natural teeth, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15-1.52, p<0.001; lost all natural teeth, OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.97-2.76, p<0.001) and ease of chewing solid food [Fairly well (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.33-1.71, p<0.001) and not at all (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 2.11-2.67, p<0.001)] with cognitive impairment. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for various factors, a significant association persisted between loss of all natural teeth (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.34-1.95, p<0.001) and the ability to chew solid food. Specifically, individuals reporting chewing solid food "Fairly well" (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.16-1.52, p<0.001) and those unable to chew at all (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.51-1.97, p<0.001) with cognitive impairment. The findings of this study underscore a compelling connection between oral health issues and cognitive impairment. Consequently, it is imperative to proactively identify and address oral health problems in older adults.