New thesis about what oral health and olfactory function can tell us about cognitive ageing
Christina Dintica, PhD-student at the Division of Aging Research Center. On May 8, 2020 you will defend your thesis: "Oral health & olfactory function : what can they tell us about cognitive ageing?", what's the main focus of the thesis?
The focus of the thesis if on what oral health and olfactory function can tell us about cognitive ageing. Specifically, whether these factors could be predictors or risk factors for accelerated cognitive ageing.
Which are the most important results?
We found that having poor oral health was associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive function and with lower brain volume in older adults. Moreover, olfactory impairment predicted decline in cognitive function and lower volumes in the medio-temporal brain structures.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
The results suggest that maintaining good oral health in old age may be important for cognitive health later in life. In addition, experiencing loss of smell could indicate underlying neurodegeneration, and should therefore be investigated by a physician.
What´s in the future for you? Will you keep on conducting research?
I will continue to do research in cognitive ageing at postdoctoral level.