ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dentally-related functional (DRF) loss among older adults seeking community-based dental care. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 149 adults aged 65 or older who visited the University of Iowa College of Dentistry Clinics and who had no prior documented cognitive impairment were recruited in 2017 and 2018. Participants underwent a brief interview, a cognitive assessment, and an assessment of DRF. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess associations between demographic variables, DRF, and cognitive function. Close to half (40.7%) of the patients presented with some degree of cognitive impairment, and impaired DRF was observed in 13.8%. Compared to those without cognitive impairment, elderly dental patients with cognitive impairment were 15% more likely to present with impaired DRF (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = (1.05, 1.26). CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment is likely more prevalent in older adults seeking dental care than is generally understood by providers. Given its impact on DRF, dental providers should be alert to the possible need to evaluate patients' cognitive status and DRF in order to be able to adjust treatment and recommendations accordingly.