scholarly journals Effects of the Co-occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus and Tooth Loss on Cognitive Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huabin Luo ◽  
Chenxin Tan ◽  
Samrachana Adhikari ◽  
Brenda L. Plassman ◽  
Angela R. Kamer ◽  
...  

Objective: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and poor oral health are common chronic conditions and risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia among older adults. This study assessed the effects of DM and complete tooth loss (TL) on cognitive function, accounting for their interactions. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from the 2006, 2012, and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. This cohort study included 7,805 respondents aged 65 years or older with 18,331 person-year observations. DM and complete TL were self-reported. Cognitive function was measured by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Random-effect regressions were used to test the associations, overall and stratified by sex. Results: Compared with older adults without neither DM nor complete TL, those with both conditions (b = -1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.68, -1.02), with complete TL alone (b = -0.67, 95% CI: -0.88, -0.45), or with DM alone (b = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.22), had lower cognitive scores. The impact of having both conditions was significantly greater than that of having DM alone (p < .001) or complete TL alone (p = 0.001). Sex-stratified analyses showed the effects were similar in males and females, except having DM alone was not significant in males. Conclusion: The co-occurrence of DM and complete TL poses an additive risk for cognition. Healthcare and family-care providers should pay attention to the cognitive health of patients with both DM and complete TL. Continued efforts are needed to improve older adults’ access to dental care, especially for individuals with DM.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 207-207
Author(s):  
Chenxin Tan ◽  
Brenda Plassman ◽  
Frank Sloan ◽  
Mark Schwartz ◽  
Samrachana Adhikari ◽  
...  

Abstract Using data from the 2006, 2012, and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, we estimated effects of co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and complete tooth loss (CTL), both self-reported, on cognitive function among 10,816 adults age 50+. Cognitive function was measured using a shortened version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Results from the fixed effects linear regression model show that in comparison to those with neither condition, adults having both DM and CTL had the worst cognitive function (b = 1.49, p &lt; 0.001), followed by having CTL alone (b = 0.78, p &lt; 0.001), and having DM alone (b = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001). Our study suggests that CTL is a stronger risk factor for lower cognitive function than DM, and the co-occurrence of DM and CTL poses additive risk. Further research is needed to investigate the pathway from DM and CTL to poor cognition.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S607-S607
Author(s):  
Bei Wu ◽  
Huabin Luo

Abstract This study examined the joint effects of diabetes and poor oral health on cognitive function among older adults aged 60 years or older in the U.S. We analyzed data of 2,937 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014). We investigated the interaction effects between diabetes and significant tooth loss, i.e. differences among the following four groups: 1=neither of the two conditions, 2=non-diabetic but with tooth loss, 3=diabetic but no tooth loss, and 4=both conditions. Significant interaction effects were found in our study. Having either diabetes or significant tooth loss was associated with lower cognitive function. When the two conditions were both present, the negative effects were much stronger than the total effects from either one of the two conditions. The additional loss of cognitive function resulting from multiple health conditions illustrates the importance of improving access to dental care for older adults in the U.S.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 703-703
Author(s):  
Jessica Finlay ◽  
Philippa Clarke ◽  
Lisa Barnes

Abstract Does the world shrink as we age? The neighborhood captures a spatial area someone inhabits and moves through on a daily basis. It reflects a balance between internal perceptions and abilities, and the external environment which may enable or restrict participation in everyday life. We frequently hear that older adults have shrinking neighborhoods given declining functional mobility. This is associated with declines in physical and cognitive functioning, depression, poorer quality of life, and mortality. Knowledge of the interplay between objective and subjective neighborhood measurement remains limited. This symposium will explore these linked yet distinct constructs based on secondary data analyses of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a racially diverse sample of 30,000+ aging Americans. Finlay investigates how someone’s perceived neighborhood size (in number of blocks) varies by individual and geographic characteristics including age, cognitive function, self-rated health, and urban/rural context. Esposito’s analyses focus on neighborhood size in relation to race and residential segregation. Clarke compares subjective perceptions of neighborhood parks and safety from crime to objective indicators, and examines variations by health and cognitive status. Barnes will critically consider implications for how older adults interpret and engage with their surrounding environments. The symposium questions the validity of neighborhood-based metrics to reflect the perspectives and experiences of older residents, particularly those navigating cognitive decline. It informs policy-making efforts to improve physical neighborhood environments and social community contexts, which are critical to the health and well-being of older adults aging in place.


Physiotherapy ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 101 ◽  
pp. e402-e403
Author(s):  
J. Fortune ◽  
I. Robertson ◽  
A. Kelly ◽  
J. Hussey

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. e198-e203
Author(s):  
Becca R Levy ◽  
Martin D Slade ◽  
Robert H Pietrzak ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci

Abstract Objectives Most studies of aging cognition have focused on risk factors for worse performance and on either genetic or environmental factors. In contrast, we examined whether 2 factors known to individually benefit aging cognition may interact to produce better cognition: environment-based positive age beliefs and the APOE ε2 gene. Method The sample consisted of 3,895 Health and Retirement Study participants who were 60 years or older at baseline and completed as many as 5 assessments of cognition over 8 years. Results As predicted, positive age beliefs amplified the cognitive benefit of APOE ε2. In contrast, negative age beliefs suppressed the cognitive benefit of APOE ε2. We also found that positive age beliefs contributed nearly 15 times more than APOE ε2 to better cognition. Discussion This study provides the first known evidence that self-perceptions can influence the impact of a gene on cognition. The results underscore the importance of combined psychosocial and biological approaches to understanding cognitive function in older adults.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Lin ◽  
Xiuchen Jing ◽  
Shujiao Lv ◽  
Jinghong Liang ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
...  

Abstract Background With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28±2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69±2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use was significantly associated with the level of depressive symptoms (OR=0.458, 95%CI=0.249-0.845). Conclusions Use of mobile devices has a significant association with the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 168-181
Author(s):  
Ifwandi ◽  
Dewi Saputri ◽  
Liana Rahmayani ◽  
Pocut Aya Sofya ◽  
Syahrial ◽  
...  

When a person reaches the elderly phase, the function of the body's organs decreases, which causes an increased risk of disease and death. Including dental infections such as caries and periodontal disease which are the main factors for tooth loss. Tooth loss does not only affect the impact of mastication but also affects a person's cognitive function. This condition occurs because when a person loses teeth, the function of the Periodontal Mechanoreceptors decreases, disrupting the function of the hippocampus which is important for memory in the brain. Loss of a large number of teeth tends to indicate low cognitive function, but several factors affect cognitive function, namely education level, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, heart disease, depression, sleep disorders, head injury, physical activity, and a history of smoking. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a tool to assess a person's cognitive function. This study aims to see the description of cognitive function in the elderly at the Geunaseh Sayang Nursing Home with variations in the number of tooth losses. This study was conducted with 43 research subjects with interviews and intra-oral examination methods. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the elderly who only have fewer teeth show a higher decline in cognitive function compared to the elderly with more teeth in the oral cavity. This is following the theory which states that the more teeth you lose, the lower your cognitive function will be. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 427-427
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong

Abstract During the past decades, researchers have shown an increasing interest in the study of traumatic events among aging populations. The majority of studies on trauma focus on mental health, which overlooks the possibility that trauma may also have an adverse effect on other health outcomes, such as cognitive function. A number of studies focus on a single traumatic event. However, this approach may underestimate its health impact as many people experience multiple forms of traumatic events. Indeed, the impact of traumatic events on health depends on the event itself (e.g., single or multiple forms, time) as well as ecological factors. This symposium aims to address the above limitations. The first longitudinal study An Ecological Model of Risk Factors in Elder Mistreatment (EM) Victims tested different dimensions of the ecological model to prevent recurrence of EM. The second study Polyvictimization and Cognitive Function in an Ethnic Minority Aging Population explored whether exposure to multiple forms of EM affects cognitive function. The third study Traumatic Events and Cognitive Function: Does Time Matter? examined whether traumatic events happened in childhood, adulthood, or old age will influence late-life cognitive function. The fourth study Face-saving and Help-seeking among Older Adults with EM identified cultural determinants of help-seeking behaviors in EM victims. This symposium will advance knowledge in the health consequences of polyvictimization and exposure to traumatic events in different life stages. It will also inform interventions to stop the recurrence of EM in immigrant families and enhance the help-seeking behaviors of ethnic minority older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 585-585
Author(s):  
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili ◽  
Justine Sefcik

Abstract COVID-19 and social distancing heralded an unprecedented change in the way older adults and health care providers live, work, socialize and manage their health. Early “calls-to-action” included the call for researchers to chronicle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care of older adults to inform models of care and best practices in the new normal. This symposium explores the impact of COVID-19 on the health of older adults across the care continuum and healthcare delivery augmented by technology. The perspectives of older adults living in the community and providers who care for this population are highlighted. Additionally, there is a focus on the most vulnerable, those living in skilled care facilities and continuing care retirement communities. Fisher analyzes the key themes in 37 COVID-19 video communiques over 11 months at a continuing care retirement community. Sefcik explores coping strategies including outdoor activities among community-dwelling older adults. DiMaria-Ghalili examined patterns of physical and mental health, technology usage and loneliness in older adults, including those living in the community and a continuing care retirement community. Using longitudinal data and COVID-19 supplemental survey data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, Huh-Yoo discusses disparities in online patient-provider communication and implications for the Post-COVID era. Coates discusses the facilitators and barriers perceived by interdisciplinary providers deploying telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for healthcare delivery in older adults. The symposium will conclude with a discussion by Dr. Sefcik on the implications for research, practice and policy in the post COVID-19 era.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S909-S909
Author(s):  
Janna Heyman ◽  
Linda White-Ryan ◽  
Peggy Kelly

Abstract As people age, ensuing physical and psychological problems can increase, which makes it paramount to be comfortable discussing medical needs with health care professionals, particularly in light of the danger associated with misunderstanding medication use and combining alcohol with prescriptions and/or over the counter medications (National Institute on Aging, 2018). National studies found that about 40 percent of adults ages 65 and older drink alcohol and often do not understand the dangers of combining alcohol with medications (National Institute for Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, 2008). An educational intervention was developed with a team of expert physicians, nurses, pharmacists and social workers who work in gerontology to focus on improving communication and addressing alcohol and medication use for older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess whether the educational intervention improved older adults’ comfort in communicating with their health care providers, as well as their knowledge of the concomitant use of alcohol and prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Results of a MANCOVA showed that those in the intervention group showed larger increases in scores on communication with their health providers and knowledge about the implications of combining alcohol with prescription drugs than those in the control group (Wilks’ Lamda=.808, F(3,76)=6.039, p=.001&lt;.05). In addition, linear regression models showed that the intervention was significantly associated with participants’ knowledge of the implications of combining alcohol with prescription drugs. The coefficient across models was approximately 1.00, which represented a substantial increase given the average score of 6.5.


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