Cognitive Function and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults

Objectives To examine the relationship between cognitive function and self-reported oral health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Community in West Virginia. Participants Two hundred twenty-six community-dwelling older adults. Measurements Oral HRQoL 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 HRQoL, 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 HRQoL, 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.