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NCT Number: NCT04458207

Cognitive Changes and Neural Correlates After Rehabilitation of Masticatory Function in Elderly -an Intervention Study

Today in elderly tooth loss and loss of oral function is widespread, but it is an underexplored modifiable risk factor potentially contributing to the development of dementia. In this interventional study a "cause-effect" relationship between mastication and cognition in humans will be investigated.

A total of eighty (80) participants, 65-80 years of age, indicated for prosthodontic rehabilitation will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. Participants will be randomized into two different groups, measurements are going to be conducted before and after prosthetic rehabilitation. The difference between the two groups is that the control group are going to do two measurements before undergoing the rehabilitation, this to control for the test-re-test effect.

The aim with this study is to determine if the rehabilitation of chewing function will cause changes in the neurocognitive assessments of episodic memory and learning.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Chewing Problem Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cognition Disorders Cognitive Decline Cognitive Dysfunction Degenerative; Dementia Dementia Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mastication Disorder Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders Neurocognitive Dysfunction

Age range

65 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Eastmaninstitutet Folktandvården Stockholm AB, Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden

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About this study

  • Dementia is a general term of several neurodegenerative diseases that jointly affects approximately 7% of the general population older than 65 years, and 30% older than 80 years (O'Brien, 2003). Importantly, these statistics are expected to almost double every 20 years (Prince, 2013), making disorders of cognition a priority for healthcare (O'Brien, 2014).
  • Animal and human studies have shown associations with mastication and cognitive function through the medial temporal lobe (i.e., hippocampus) and its role in learning and memory. (Ono, 2010. Weijenberg, 2011. Ohkubo, 2012. Teixeira, 2014. Klineberg, 2014)
  • Although tooth loss and loss of oral function is widespread in older people, it is still an underexplored modifiable risk factor contributing to the development of dementia.
  • The aim of this study is to conduct an intervention study on elderly people where rehabilitation of masticatory functions is performed and evaluated, with cognitive measures and brain imaging, to investigate a "cause-effect" relationship between mastication and cognition in humans.
  • The hypothesis is that rehabilitation of masticatory function will improve cognition primarily in the performance of episodic memory and executive function tests along with the corresponding neural changes mainly in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
  • A total of eighty (80) participants, 65-80 years of age, indicated for prosthodontic rehabilitation at Eastmaninstitutet (Stockholm, Sweden) will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. The difference between the groups is that the participants in the experimental group will begin with the rehabilitation immediately after the first measurement while the control group will do one more measurement before the onset of the rehabilitation procedure. The two measurements conducted before treatment in the control group are to rule out for test-retest effects. Three months and one year after completed prosthodontic treatment participants will conduct the last measurements, as a post-test to evaluate potential treatment effect.
  • The neuropsychological assessments will be conducted together with MRI assessments, oral health-related quality of life instrument, chewing function test (two coloured chewing gum) and saliva samples recorded at different time points (i.e., pre-test, post-test 1, post-test 2, post-test 3) in both the groups.
  • The data from the study will be entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet and exported to Statistics is a software package SPSS Inc, Statistica, StatSoft Inc (or similar advanced analytics software package for analysis). The result from the cognitive testing will be analysed as repeated measure Analysis of covariance (ANCOVAs) with groups (experimental and control) and time (pre- and post-rehabilitation) as factors. Group-by-time interaction, main effect of group, and main effect of time will be evaluated. To compare the magnitude of gains, the effect size (partial eta-square) will also be calculated. By using time-length between pre- and post-tests as a covariate of interest with aiming to better control group differences. Models that mainly predicts cognitive test measures (neuropsychological assessments) will by developed to predict the intervention outcomes. Predictive ability is defined as the amount of variance in the outcome that can be explained by pre-test cognitive status (slope method). Explained variance in outcome will be obtained by analysing linear regressions.
  • Preprocessing and statistical analyses of MRI data will be performed with Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) run in Matlab (MathWorks). Movement correction will be performed by realign and unwarp to the first image in the series. To consider group-specific anatomical brain differences, all participants will be normalized to Monteral Neurological Institute (MNI) echoplanar-imaging template. Cortical thickness measures will not be normalized but rather used in their raw form. For cortical segmentation, a Freesurfer pipeline will be applied to the MRI images to produce regional cortical thickness and volumetric measures. To investigate rehabilitating-related changes repeated measures ANCOVAs will be performed with the groups (experimental and control) and time (pre- and post-rehabilitation) as factors. The Bonferroni-Holm method will be used to control for multiple comparisons.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 65-80 years of age at start
  • Impaired chewing ability (Eichner index B2-B4, C1-C4)
  • Dental rehabilitation with fixed prosthodontics, implant and/or tooth supported (overdentures included) >10 occluding units
  • Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >25

Exclusion criteria

  • Brain trauma or stroke <6 months
  • Neurological disease (stroke, dementia, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease).
  • Intellectual disability
  • Psychological disorders
  • Participants with chronic pain, depression or sleeping disorders
  • Daily analgesic medication that may affect cognitive and/or executive performance of the brain
  • Poor Swedish language skills, reading disabilities
  • Severely reduced hearing or vision
  • Prosthetic treatment with removable dentures (full or partial)

MRI exclusion criteria:

  • Claustrophobia
  • Difficulties in lying down in a supine position for about an hour, or any other difficulties related to the MRI head coil
  • Participants with metal or medical implants in the body contraindicating MRI scan

Treatment and study plan

Oral prosthetic rehabilitation

Procedure

Individual treatment options will be discussed with the participants individually and rehabilitation will be provided as agreed by the dentist and the participant. The rehabilitation will include fixed prosthodontics. The procedures will involve a control phase involving scaling, root planing oral hygiene instructions etc., extractions and bone augmentation when needed and temporary removable dentures. Restoration of the lost vertical dimension (if needed) with occlusal splints, tooth preparations, placement of dental implants (if needed) and finally cementation of dental crowns. The rehabilitation phase is estimated to take approximately 3-18 months, or more.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Revised (BVMT-R)

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring non-verbal episodic memory. Measured in correct answers. Score: 0-36. A high score indicates a better performance.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT).

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring verbal episodic memory. Measured in correct answers. Scale: 0-90. A high score indicates a better performance.

  2. Change in Trail Making Test from Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS)

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring executive function. Measured in seconds and number of faults (maximum 150 seconds). A low score indicates a better performance.

  3. Change in Digit-Span from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS):IV

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring working memory. Measured in correct answers. Score: 0-48. A high score indicates better performance.

  4. Change in Digit-symbol from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS):IV

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring motor and mental speed. Measured in correct answers. Score: 0-135. A high score indicates better performance.

  5. Change in Color-Word Interference Test from Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS word)

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring executive memory. Measured in seconds to complete test (maximum 90 seconds). Higher score indicates a poorer performance.

  6. Change in verbal fluency from Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS-F)

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring executive memory. Measured in correct answer during a time limit (60 seconds). A high score indicates a better performance.

  7. Title: Changes in blood perfusion in the brain tissue by measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the brain over time with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measured with MRI using the Pseudo- Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pCASL) technique. The unit of measurement is ml of blood per 100 gram tissue per unit of time (ml/100g/min).

  8. Changes in brain activity (BA) over time measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measuring changes in functional connectivity over time with MRI using the Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) technique under resting state conditions.

  9. Change of the masseter muscle volume (MMV) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Measured with MRI using a PD-weighted SPACE sequence to determine the pre- and post-muscle volume. Volume increase indicates volume increase in muscle masseter.

  10. Change in mixing ability (MA) two-coloured chewing gum (Orophys chewing gum)

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Two-coloured Orophys chewing gum. More mixed colour in the sample indicates better chewing ability.

  11. Change in measure of cortisol level (CL) in saliva

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Biological measures. Low level of cortisol indicate lower stress hormone levels.

  12. Change in Oral Health Impact Profile, short version (OHIP-14).

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Questionnaire measuring impact on daily life coast by oral problems. Scale: 0-56. Higher score indicates more impact or oral problems.

  13. Change in psychological wellbeing the day of psychological assessment by using Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD).

    Time frame: 1: Baseline pre-test. 2: Change pre-test/post-test1, CG 3months after baseline, EG 3months after intervention (Int). 3: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 3months after Int, EG 1year after Int. 4: Change post-test1/post-test2, CG 1year after Int.

    Questionnaire measuring Depression and Anxiety. Scale: 0-42. A low score indicate a more positive outcome.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Folktandvården Stockholms län AB

Other Gov

Collaborators

  • Eastmaninstitutet
  • Karolinska Institutet

Registry information

Official study title

Cognitive Changes and Neural Correlates After Rehabilitation of Masticatory Function in Older Adults - an Intervention Study

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2030
First posted
Jul 7, 2020
Registry last updated
May 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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