Elucidating the role of oral health towards cognitive impairment: analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

Project Summary

Advances in life expectancy have raised the risk of age-related conditions like dementia/cognitive decline. Oral health, specifically periodontal disease and tooth loss may contribute to cognitive impairment by increasing inflammation and reducing brain signaling. However, evidence on the oral health-cognition link is inconclusive. This study examines the relationship between oral health and cognitive impairment in a cohort of middle-aged and elderly individuals from the CLSA. Data from 50,000-odd participants includes oral health status, range of risk factors and cognitive performance at two time points. Results will identify whether oral conditions increase the risk of cognitive impairment.