Estado de salud oral y biomarcadores salivales en pacientes con deterioro cognitivo

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Dementia is characterized by multiple cognitive deficits. The deterioration of cognitive abilities and activities of daily living in patients has implications on their oral-dental health. OBJECTIVES. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dementia on oral health using a case-control design. MATERIAL AND METHOD. 152 patients were included. Out of which 69 presented dementia of different degrees as diagnosed using global deterioration scale (GDS). Eighty-three were healthy controls. Study was performed in the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia. A panel of biomarkers was assessed in saliva of all patients. Relative risks (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using regression models. RESULTS. Patients with severe disease were more likely to have a smaller number of natural teeth (OR, 11.00; CI 95%, 1.28 - 23.22) (P = 0.001), higher bacterial plaque index (P = 0.001) and higher bleeding rate (P = 0.001) with respect to the control group. Patients with lower AB42 (OR, 0.53; CI 95%, 0.29-0.97) (P = 0.041) and higher CC4 (OR, 1.43; CI 95% 1.08-1.98) (P = 0.048) have higher probability of presenting cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION. Subjects with dementia have poor oral health, the number of natural teeth was significantly associated with the degree of impairment of cognitive function. Detection of low salivary values of AB42 and high of CC4 could indicate cognitive impairment in elder patients. Keywords: Dental loss, dementia, age, oral hygiene, bleeding index