IDENTIFYING ORAL FUNCTION AS AN INDEXING PARAMETER FOR DETECTION OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the association between MCI and oral cavity conditions (e.g., oral hygiene and compromised oral function). In addition, we developed a screening index to identify MCI, focusing on oral assessment. Methods: A total of 5,104 elderly people living in a community in Japan were classified into 930 people with MCI and 2,669 without MCI, and analyzed for relevant factors. Results: Both the men and women with MCI showed significantly lower levels of the following: the number of the functional teeth; number of the remaining teeth; oral diadochokinesis (ODK) /Pa/Ka/; palpation of masseter muscle tone (p < 0.01). As a result of discriminant analysis between two groups of MCI, MCI and non-MCI groups a significant association was observed in age, sex, educational background, grip strength, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, history of cardiac disease, albumin level, and ODK /pa/ as assessment of the oral function. Although the proper diagnosis rate of our screening index for MCI was not as high at 0.63, it was in the acceptable range as a screening index because it is possible to increase sensitivity. Conclusion: The results of our study showed a possibility that lip movement might have been impaired in patients with MCI. Impairment of movement of the lips may occur before oral hygiene worsens or chewing ability is impaired. This index may support early detection of MCI, and be one of the keys to prevent dementia. Also it may provide information which is useful to establish effective prevention strategy.