Oral Disease in Relation to Future Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Prospective Cohort Study Based on the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (Advance) Trial

Abstract Objective Examine the association of oral disease with future dementia/cognitive decline in a cohort of people with type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 11,140 men and women aged 55–88 years at study induction with type 2 diabetes participated in a baseline medical examination when they reported the number of natural teeth and days of bleeding gums. Dementia and cognitive decline were ascertained periodically during a 5-year follow-up. Results Relative to the group with the greatest number of teeth (more than or equal to 22), having no teeth was associated with the highest risk of both dementia (hazard ratio; 95% confidence interval: 1.48; 1.24, 1.78) and cognitive decline (1.39; 1.21, 1.59). Number of days of bleeding gums was unrelated to these outcomes. Conclusions Tooth loss was associated with an increased risk of both dementia and cognitive decline.