Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s is there a connection? Could poor oral hygiene/gum disease deteriorate your mind? Sadly, it seems as if the answer is yes! The University of Florida (UF) Dental College has led the pack with their research on the topic. Currently, the most substantial data and support to date to tie inadequate oral hygiene and brain degeneration together have developed from their most recent study. Although cardiologists have undeniably known that the microorganisms (bacteria) that cause gum disease otherwise referred to as gingivitis can penetrate the blood stream escalating heart issues there have been a smaller quantity to connect dental health to Alzheimer’s or other types dementia.
Scientists scrutinized specimens from the brains of patients with and without dementia, in the most up to date research reported. The findings reveal that that Lipopolysaccharide, a part of Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is an oral microorganism (bacteria), was recovered in four out of ten Alzheimer’s disease brain samplings tested. Yet, this bacterium was non-existent in any samples from the brains of people who didn’t have Alzheimer’s disease.
Associate professor of periodontics Lakshmyya Kesavalu at UF states, “This clearly shows that there is an association between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease, but not causal association.”
Bacteria found in the mouth usually gains entry into the bloodstream during what would be considered normal activities. Daily actions such as brushing, chewing, and flossing; this can also take place during routine dental procedures as well. Once in the bloodstream it is carried along to the brain where it can possibly lead to degeneration in brain tissue that appears similar to Alzheimer’s disease.
How Common Is This?
Unfortunately, this is more common than the common cold. Gum Disease is diagnosed in 97 percent of the populace. Being one of the most widespread diseases to impinge on humans other than the common cold itself; “About 64 percent of seniors age 65 and over have moderate or severe periodontal disease;”according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, “is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States—affecting more than 5 million Americans.”
“Right now, globally about 36 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease (according to the World Health Organization) and it may go up to 115 million by 2050,” Kesavalu says.
Ultimately, we have to take heed of health and hygiene overall because some of these things plaguing us and our love ones can be prevented. So why not start with something as simple as your mouth?
