from Journal of the American Geriatric Society
Evidence suggests a link between oral
health—teeth and gums—and cognitive
health in older adults, and that the
frequency of oral health problems
increases significantly in older people with
cognitive problems. A review article in the
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
says the two are important areas of
research, since more than one-third of
people over the age of seventy already
have some cognitive impairments. Gum
disease has previously been linked to
other health problems, including heart
disease. The authors at Duke University’s
School of Nursing say better oral hygiene
and regular dental visits may play a role in
slowing cognitive decline as we age, but
the authors say there is not yet enough
evidence to suggest one actually causes
the other.