Self-reported tooth loss and cognitive function: Data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (Hispanic EPESE).
OBJECTIVE
To explore the association between tooth loss and cognitive functioning among persons 65 years and older.


METHODS
Data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (Wave 1: 1993-1994, n= 3,032; Wave 2: 1995-1996, n= 2,424; and Wave 3: 1998-1999, n= 1,967). The dependent variables were the scores from the total Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE: score 0-30) and its global domains (memory: score 0-6; and no-memory: score 0-24). Independent variables included the number of teeth (0-12 vs. 13-32), socio-demographic characteristics, last dental office visit, medical conditions, depressive symptoms, and functional limitations which were tested for associations with the dependent variables.


RESULTS
In bivariate analyses, participants with fewer teeth (0-12) tended to have significantly lower mean scores for memory, no-memory, and total MMSE when compared to those with more teeth (13-32), both at baseline and at follow-up. In fully adjusted longitudinal-mixed models, participants with fewer teeth had a greater decline in total MMSE through five years of follow-up with a decrease of 0.12 fewer points each year (SE ± 0.05, p <0.01), when compared to those with more teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
Having fewer teeth was associated with greater cognitive decline over time.
Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Dearborn, Michigan, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn, Michigan.
Carlos A
CA
Reyes-Ortiz
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia.
John S
JS
Luque
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia.
Charlotta K
CK
Eriksson
School of Odontology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
Libia
L
Soto
Mexican Americans; Tooth loss; cognitive function; longitudinal analyses; older