Unhealthy gums may increase chances of dementia

Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Sept. 12, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Gum disease has far-reaching effects and may increase your chances of developing dementia, new research suggests.

In a review of 47 previously published studies, Finnish researchers found that tooth loss, deep gum pockets around teeth, or alveolar bone loss were associated with a 21% higher risk of dementia. found a 23% higher risk of mild cognitive decline.

Tooth loss itself — gum indicator, or periodontal disease —The study found that it was associated with a 23% higher risk of cognitive (psychiatric) decline and a 13% higher risk of dementia.

“Maintaining good periodontal health, including the preservation of healthy natural teeth, can help prevent cognitive decline and dementia,” said Sam Asher, principal investigator at the Institute of Dentistry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio. It is also important from a preventive point of view.

Usher said the study could not prove that gum problems were actually the cause. dementiaStill, he said, preventing and treating periodontal disease is especially important for older adults who are at high risk for dementia.

“Our results also highlight the importance of oral care in people who already have some degree of cognitive decline or dementia. is often difficult to access,” Usher said.

Dentists need to be careful, he added. “Oral health professionals should be especially aware of early changes in periodontal health and oral self-care, which are common with aging due to cognitive decline,” he said. says.

About 10% to 15% of the world’s adult population suffers from inflammation of the gums, known as periodontitis, researchers note in a background note. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease and diabetes in previous studies.

“Future research will focus on providing higher quality evidence to assist both the general public and dental professionals with more specific oral health care strategies to prevent dementia.” You have to guess,” Usher added.

“There is increasing evidence that there is some link between systemic inflammation and brain inflammation,” says Sam Gundy, Ph.D., director of the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health in New York City.

Gum disease, systemic viral diseases including herpes, COVID-19, and inflammatory bowel syndrome can all cause inflammation in the brain, said Gandhi, who was not involved in the study.

“Although these associations do not necessarily involve direct microbial invasion of the brain, little is yet known about the molecular basis of how systemic inflammation exacerbates brain inflammation.” I don’t understand,” he added.

Research in this area is still vague. A recent study found that treatment of periodontal disease in patients with Alzheimer’s disease affected markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but not their condition.

“Together with this type of result, biomarkers can be misleading, at least under some circumstances. There is still no accepted alternative to clinical trials,” he said.

Dr. Jeremy Koppel, a geriatric psychiatrist and co-investigator, agreed that the study cannot prove that inflammation caused by dental disease causes dementia.–Director of the Northwell Health Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center in Manhassett, New York

“I don’t know if they have periodontal disease. Alzheimer’s disease Or they got Alzheimer’s because of gum disease,” said Koppel, who was not involved in the study.

He noted that the risk of dementia associated with periodontal disease was very low in the study. said. Studies show that these risks include smoking and an unhealthy diet.

Koppel does not underestimate the importance of what is happening in the mouth as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease. He said it was done.

“People are interested in looking at saliva for biomarkers of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Koppel said.

And anti-inflammatory therapies are already being targeted for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, he said.

“But whether there are other secrets in the mouth has not really been investigated,” he added.

Source: Sam Asher, MPH, Dental Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio. Jeremy Koppel, MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Co.–Director of the Northwell Health Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center in Manhassett, New York. Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, Director, Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health, New York City; J.Journal of the American Geriatrics Association, Online September 8, 2022

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