Mendelian Randomization Analyses Look for Causal Relationships Between Oral Health and Cognitive Decline

It’s estimated that around 4% of American adults over age 65 have been diagnosed with dementia.1 Studies in the past have indicated that poor oral health and cognitive decline have an association. One such study found that tooth retention decreased the risk of atrophy in certain areas of the brain, while the severity of periodontitis was associated with increased atrophy in brain regions that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.2

Finding an association is just a stepping stone, as correlation does not equal causation. However, finding a relationship between two diseases prompts more research to identify causality. Causality is a relationship in which one event causes another. It is the cause-and-effect model. For instance, evidence shows smoking (cause) causes lung cancer (effect)...
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