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Cognitive Function and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life in Older Adults
Author(s) -
Lee Kyung Hee,
Wu Bei,
Plassman Brenda L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/jgs.12402
Subject(s) - medicine , dementia , quality of life (healthcare) , gerontology , cognition , comorbidity , oral health , neuropsychology , population , psychiatry , dentistry , environmental health , nursing , disease
Objectives To examine the relationship between cognitive function and self‐reported oral health‐related quality of life ( HRQ oL) in community‐dwelling older adults. Design Cross‐sectional. Setting Community in West Virginia. Participants Two hundred twenty‐six community‐dwelling older adults. Measurements Oral HRQ oL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index ( GOHAI ) (range 12–60), and cognitive function was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Dental professionals performed oral health examinations. Results Participants with normal cognitive function had higher GOHAI total scores (mean 55.1), indicating better oral HRQ oL, than participants with cognitive impairment without dementia ( CIND ) (mean 52.3) and mild dementia (mean 51.0). The difference remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic, health status, comorbidity, and clinical dental status covariates. Conclusion Oral HRQ oL, as measured using the GOHAI , was better in participants with normal cognitive function than in those with CIND of mild dementia in the population studied.