2University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Faculty of Medicine & Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Division of Geriatrics, Ankara, Turkey
3University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dental Treatment, Ankara, Turkey DOI : 10.29400/tjgeri.2023.334 Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dental amalgam filling and cognition in older adults.
Materials and Methods: A total of 169 patients aged 65 years and above were recruited from a geriatric outpatient clinic. Their socio-demographic and chronic disease data were recorded. All patients underwent oral examinations. Amalgam filling index scores were calculated for individuals with amalgam fillings. The participants were divided into a study group [amalgam (+)] and a control group [amalgam (-)] based on their amalgam-filling statuses. For subanalysis, the amalgam-filled group was categorised according to high (≥4.191) and low (<4.191) mean index scores. Standardised mini-mental test, clock drawing test and Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale were conducted for all patients.
Results: About 46.2% (n=78) of participants were female, mean age was 69.6 ± 6.3 years and 53.7% (n=89) had amalgam fillings. There was no significant difference in the standardised mini-mental test, clock drawing test and Lawton- Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale scores between the study and control groups (all p>0.05), or in all test scores between participants with high and low amalgam scores in the group with amalgam fillings.
Conclusions: This study showed that dental amalgam fillings were not associated with cognitive decline in older adults.
Keywords : Aged; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dental Amalgam