Influence of masticatory function on food preferences and cognitive performance in centenarians: an observational study

Abstract Introduction Demographic projections forecast that centenarians’ population growth will continue. “CaT: Centenari a Trieste” is an ongoing study featuring the collection of demographic and anamnestic data, including the analysis of oral variables. Aims evaluate of the possible influence of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Katia Rupel, Matteo Biasotto, Filomena Vella, Giulia Ottaviani, Roberto Di Lenarda, Mauro Tettamanti, Gabriella Marcon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2025-03-01
Series:BDJ Open
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-025-00321-z
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction Demographic projections forecast that centenarians’ population growth will continue. “CaT: Centenari a Trieste” is an ongoing study featuring the collection of demographic and anamnestic data, including the analysis of oral variables. Aims evaluate of the possible influence of past food preferences, taste perception and masticatory function on current cognitive status in a cohort of centenarians. Design Observational transversal study. Materials and Methods 31 participants with mean age 102 ± 2 performed an examination of the oral cavity including the measurement of DMFT (Decayed Missing Filled Teeth), FTUs (functional teeth units), FOUs (functional occlusal units) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taste perception assay. Results were correlated with dementia, subjective perception of oral health and food preferences. Results Masticatory function did not correlate with dementia but had a significant impact on oral health perception. When analyzing variables affecting food preferences, PROP taste perception profile and DMFT resulted significantly correlated. Early edentulism didn’t show to affect past dietary preferences. Conclusions our data suggest that in centenarians masticatory function doesn’t seem to correlate to cognitive function, but influences the self-perception of oral health. Such results are an interesting addition to knowledge on the topic as they refer to a population which has never been considered before.
ISSN:2056-807X