Better oral hygiene and regular dental visits may well help slow down cognitive decline as workers age, according to findings just published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Researchers have questioned whether an association actually exists between oral health and cognitive status for older adults, however Bei Wu, PhD, School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina thinks differently. Wu stated, “Clinical evidence suggests that the frequency of oral health problems increases significantly in cognitively impaired older people, particularly those with dementia,” said. “In addition, many of the factors associated with poor oral health—such as poor nutrition and systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease—are also associated with poor cognitive function.”
Studies found that oral health indicators such as number of teeth, number of cavities, and presence of gum disease were associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline or even dementia. HR can help by providing fresh fruit as healthy snacks for staff in the pantry—an apple a day not only helps keep the dentist at bay, but might also help staff retain their mental agility throughout their careers and beyond.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
