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

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.