Multiple tooth loss is associated with vascular cognitive impairment in subjects with acute ischemic stroke

Background and Objective Emerging evidence shows that tooth loss is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment ( VCI ) is a common consequence of ischemic stroke. This study investigated the association of tooth loss with VCI in patients with acute stroke. Material and Methods A total of 161 subjects with acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Within 1 wk after admission, fasting blood tests were undertaken and the number of teeth present was recorded. VCI was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Mo CA ). Results The patients with loss of ≥ 8 teeth exhibited significantly lower Mo CA values as compared to those with loss of ≤ 7 teeth (13.2 ± 6.6 vs. 17.3 ± 6.0, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that loss of ≥ 8 teeth ( OR = 3.1, 95% CI : 1.2–7.9, p = 0.02) and stroke history ( OR = 3.8, 95% CI : 1.1–14.1, p = 0.04) were significantly associated with VCI (Mo CA score ≤ 20.0). Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, the current findings provide the first evidence that multiple tooth loss is independently associated with VCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke.