SynthesisJournal of oral rehabilitation2026
Dentition-Cognition Relationship in Aging Populations: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Data.
Synthesis in Journal of oral rehabilitation, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Prevalence, risk factors, and racial disparities in probable and possible dementia: the national health and aging trends study.The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease · 2026Article
- Is tooth loss associated with subsequent cognitive decline and dementia in ageing populations?Evidence-based dentistry · 2026Article
- The Oral-Brain Axis: A Unified Framework Linking Trigeminal Sensorimotor Dysfunction, Chronic Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Neurodegeneration.International journal of molecular sciences · 2026Review
- Functional Dentition Life Expectancy (FDLE): a novel indicator for monitoring oral health in ageing populations.Clinical oral investigations · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundRecent research suggests a potential link between tooth loss and cognitive decline among the elderly population, but longitudinal evidence remains limited.
aimThis meta-analysis aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between dentition status (tooth loss/edentulism) and cognitive outcomes (dementia/MCI) in aging populations.
methodA systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to February 2025. Twenty-one longitudinal studies (N = 35 744 989 participants) meeting inclusion criteria were analysed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
resultsLongitudinal evidence supports a connection between tooth loss and cognitive decline. Specifically, tooth loss was associated with increased risks of dementia (OR = 1.26 [1.07, 1.49]) and MCI (OR = 1.40 [1.14, 1.71]). Edentulism showed higher risks (dementia: OR = 1.16 [1.09, 1.23]; MCI: OR = 1.90 [1.07, 3.35]). Subgroup analyses revealed greater risks in women and Western populations. Denture use mitigated dementia risk in individuals with tooth loss (OR = 1.03 [0.82, 1.28]).
conclusionTooth loss may accelerate cognitive decline, with more severe loss correlating to greater deterioration. Dentures could help mitigate this effect by restoring chewing function. Given that tooth loss is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment, preventive dental care and timely prosthodontic treatment may play a protective role in maintaining brain health among older adults.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.