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Cognitive status and dental-related function in older adults seeking community-based dental care: A Pilot Study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Cognitive status and dental-related function in older adults seeking community-based dental care: A Pilot Study

Jirakate Madiloggovit-Lower, Alexandria Cochrane Cashmore, Tabitha Peter and Xi Chen
Special care in dentistry, Vol.44(1), pp.242-249
01/2024
DOI: 10.1111/scd.12886
Appears in  UI Libraries Support Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12886View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dentally-related functional (DRF) loss among older adults seeking community-based dental care. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 149 adults aged 65 or older who visited the University of Iowa College of Dentistry Clinics and who had no prior documented cognitive impairment were recruited in 2017 and 2018. Participants underwent a brief interview, a cognitive assessment, and an assessment of DRF. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess associations between demographic variables, DRF, and cognitive function. Close to half (40.7%) of the patients presented with some degree of cognitive impairment, and impaired DRF was observed in 13.8%. Compared to those without cognitive impairment, elderly dental patients with cognitive impairment were 15% more likely to present with impaired DRF (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = (1.05, 1.26). CONCLUSION Cognitive impairment is likely more prevalent in older adults seeking dental care than is generally understood by providers. Given its impact on DRF, dental providers should be alert to the possible need to evaluate patients' cognitive status and DRF in order to be able to adjust treatment and recommendations accordingly.
 cognitive impairment functional loss older adults oral health UIOWA OA Agreement

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