Periodontal disease and cognitive deficits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

@#Background: Previous studies showed controversial findings for correlation of periodontal disease and cognitive deficits. Methods: We searched systematically for studies pertaining to correlation of periodontal disease and cognitive deficits published between August 1980 and December 2019 on Web of Science and PubMed. We combined the data extracted from the included studies to determine the correlation between periodontal disease and cognitive deficits. Results: Our analysis indicated a higher risk of cognitive deficits in those with moderate to severe periodontal disease when compared to those with mild or no periodontal disease (odds ratio (OR) = 1.38 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.28-1.48). Subgroup analysis showed significant correlations in only case-control and cohort studies (case-control studies OR = 1.49 (95% CI 1.24-1.80); cohort studies relative risk (RR) = 1.33 (95% CI 1.22-1.45)). Subgroup analysis also indicated that moderate to severe periodontal disease was correlated to increased dementia and Alzheimer disease risks, whereas no significant correlation was found between periodontal disease and mild cognitive impairment (dementia OR/RRs = 1.32 (95% CI 1.22-1.44); Alzheimer disease OR/RRs = 1.51 (95% CI 1.20-1.90); Mild cognitive impairment OR/RRs = 1.31 (95% CI 0.89-1.94)). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed significant correlations between cognitive deficits and tooth loss, periodontitis, whereas no significant correlation was found between deep periodontal pockets and cognitive deficits (tooth loss OR/RRs = 1.57 (95% CI 1.39- 1.77); periodontitis OR/RRs = 1.43 (95% CI 1.03-2.00); deep periodontal pockets OR/RRs = 1.24 (95% CI 0.77-2.00)). Conclusions: This review suggests a significant correlation between periodontal disease and cognitive deficits. Interventional studies for periodontal disease may be beneficial for patients with cognitive deficits