Mediation Effect of Oral Hygiene on the Relationship Between Cognitive Function and Oral Health in Older Adults

Kyung Hee Lee, Brenda L. Plassman, Wei Pan, Bei Wu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Poor oral health is a common problem among older adults in general and particularly among those with cognitive impairment. The current study was conducted to (a) explore direct and indirect relationships between cognitive function and oral health outcomes and (b) test the mediating effect of oral hygiene on the relationship between cognitive function and oral health. The current study used data from 327 community-dwelling older adults in West Virginia who completed an oral health evaluation, comprehensive cognitive assessment, and questionnaire about oral hygiene. Structure equation modeling was used to test for mediation. Results showed that more severe cognitive impairment was related to poorer oral health outcomes and less frequent tooth brushing and flossing. Tooth brushing serves as a mediator between cognitive impairment and oral health outcome. The current study suggests regular tooth brushing is a promising intervention to maintain oral health among individuals with cognitive impairment. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(5), 30-37.].

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)30-37
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of gerontological nursing
Volume42
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 May 1

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Nursing(all)
  • Gerontology

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