Association between the Number of Posterior Occlusal Pairs and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of posterior occlusal pairs, and cognitive impairment among older adults in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among older adults (aged 60 and above) in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, from September to October 2019. A total of 270 participants were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected via a general information questionnaire, cognitive screening using the Thai version of the Mini-Cog, and an oral examination by a single, calibrated dentist to record the number of functional teeth and posterior occlusal pairs. The relationship was analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 65.6%. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified factors significantly associated with cognitive impairment: age (adjusted OR = 12.158, 95% CI: 2.629 - 40.732), education level (adjusted OR = 3.306, 95% CI: 1.528 - 7.152), and the number of posterior occluding pairs (adjusted OR = 1.964, 95% CI: 1.134 - 3.400).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the association between the number of posterior occlusal pairs and cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating oral health strategies, particularly the promotion of oral health to maintain functional masticatory teeth, into public health programs for dementia prevention and health promotion among older adults and middle-aged adult populations in Thailand.
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