Multiple tooth loss is associated with vascular cognitive impairment in subjects with acute ischemic stroke

Background and ObjectiveEmerging evidence shows that tooth loss is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a common consequence of ischemic stroke. This study investigated the association of tooth loss with VCI in patients with acute stroke. Material and MethodsA total of 161 subjects with acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Within 1wk after admission, fasting blood tests were undertaken and the number of teeth present was recorded. VCI was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). ResultsThe patients with loss of 8 teeth exhibited significantly lower MoCA values as compared to those with loss of 7 teeth (13.26.6 vs. 17.3 +/- 6.0, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that loss of 8 teeth (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-7.9, p=0.02) and stroke history (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.1-14.1, p=0.04) were significantly associated with VCI (MoCA score 20.0). ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, the current findings provide the first evidence that multiple tooth loss is independently associated with VCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke.