Background

Dementia is the biggest global challenge to health and care in the 21st century. Mild cognitive impairment can be considered as a condition between healthy aging and early dementia. Genetic studies have identified more than 50 genes that influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the most common and incurable type of dementia. Lower education is the only environmental factor that has shown a clear causal relationship with the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

We know very little about whether poor oral health affects cognitive function in humans. In this project, we want to identify new risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia. If new modifiable lifestyle factors are identified as causal factors, these could become important prevention targets in national public health policy.

Purpose

Our overall goal is to identify new risk and causal factors for dementia by examining associations between vitamin D, oral health, and risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia.

Methods

We will use data from the Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT2—3—4).

Cooperating Institutions and External Financing

• NTNU
• St. Olav's Hospital
• National Competence Service for Ageing and Health
• Funded by the Dam Foundation and the National Association for Public Health.