A new Delta Dental Insurance Company survey finds many older adults are unaware of a possible connection between oral health and brain health, while caregivers and dental providers say they want more guidance on cognitive decline and oral care.
Five notes:
- Delta Dental commissioned Atomik Research to survey 1,000 adults 40 and older who care for an aging family member, 1,000 adults 65 and older, and 250 dental providers. Fieldwork took place July 1-7.
- Only 38% of adults 65 and older have heard that bacteria from the mouth could travel to the brain and contribute to inflammation linked to cognitive decline, compared with 76% of caregivers. Just 30% of older adults believe poor oral health may increase Alzheimer’s risk.
- About 82% of older adults said they would prioritize their oral health after learning about the possible connection, and 83% want more research on the relationship between oral bacteria and cognitive impairment.
- Sixty-one percent of caregivers believe oral health could be connected to cognitive decline, but more than 6 in 10 are unsure they are providing oral care correctly. More than 7 in 10 want clearer guidance, and 79% want advice from dental providers.
- Eighty-two percent of providers reported treating a patient experiencing cognitive decline in the past month. Eighty-six percent said oral health changes can be an early sign of broader cognitive decline, and 78% feel more confident addressing oral health issues tied to physical aging than those tied to cognitive decline. Seventy-two percent screen for cognitive changes in patient health histories.
