POOR ORAL HEALTH LINKED TO COGNITIVE DECLINE Oral health is an essential part of psychological well-being and overall health in older adults. Poor oral health is associated with decreased quality of life, depression, hypertension, and cognitive decline. Two studies explored the relationship between poor oral health and cognitive decline and the effects of perceived stress and social support on dry mouth. Researchers interviewed more than 2,700 Americans aged 60 and older and found that nearly 50 percent of study participants reported experiencing tooth symptoms; 25.5 percent reporting dry mouth. In the first study, those who reported tooth symptoms experienced declines in cognition and episodic memory, often precursors to dementia. In the second study, the researchers found that stress increased symptoms of dry mouth, leading to poorer overall oral health. Key findings: 47.8 percent reported having teeth symptoms; participants who reported teeth symptoms at baseline experienced their global cognition and episodic memory decline 18.9 percent reported gum symptoms. 15.6 percent reported teeth and gum symptoms. 25.5 percent reported dry mouth. More perceived stress was associated with higher odds of dry mouth. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1764322 POOR ORAL HEALTH LINKED TO COGNITIVE DECLINE Oral health is an essential part of psychological well-being and overall health in older adults. Poor oral health is associated with decreased quality of life, depression, hypertension, and cognitive decline. Two studies explored the relationship between poor oral health and cognitive decline and the effects of perceived stress and social support on dry mouth. Researchers interviewed more than 2,700 Americans aged 60 and older and found that nearly 50 percent of study participants reported experiencing tooth symptoms; 25.5 percent reporting dry mouth. In the first study, those who reported tooth symptoms experienced declines in cognition and episodic memory, often precursors to dementia. In the second study, the researchers found that stress increased symptoms of dry mouth, leading to poorer overall oral health. Key findings: 47.8 percent reported having teeth symptoms; participants who reported teeth symptoms at baseline experienced their global cognition and episodic memory decline 18.9 percent reported gum symptoms. 15.6 percent reported teeth and gum symptoms. 25.5 percent reported dry mouth. More perceived stress was associated with higher odds of dry mouth. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1764322