A new link between chronic periodontitis and dementia has been established by researchers in South Korea. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Gum disease (gingivitis) that goes untreated can become periodontitis. When this happens, the infection that affected your gums causes loss in the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis or pyorrhea is infection and inflammation of ligament tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis causes loss of alveolar bones leading to loosening and loss of teeth.
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‘Periodontitis, the gum disease is a risk factor for developing dementia, one of the leading causes for disability in older adults.’
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Interestingly, periodontitis is also a risk factor for developing dementia, one of the leading causes for disability in older adults. A United Nations forecast estimates that 1 in 85 individuals will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia, by the year 2050. Reducing the risk factors that lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease could potentially lower older adults' chances of developing those conditions.
The research team examined information from the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS). In South Korea, the NHIS provides mandatory health insurance covering nearly all forms of health care for all Korean citizens. The agency also provides health screening examinations twice a year for all enrollees aged 40 years or older and maintains detailed health records for all enrollees.
![Quiz on Gum Diseases]( "Quiz on Gum Diseases")
Gum disease is caused by plaque which is the sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. Gum disease can cause tooth loss because its symptoms are often painless and go unnoticed. Poor oral hygiene is responsible for plaque formation and consequent gum disease. There are two major types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
The researchers looked at health information from 262,349 people aged 50 or older. All of the participants were grouped either as being healthy (meaning they had no chronic periodontitis) or as having been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. The researchers followed the participants from January 1, 2005 until they were diagnosed with dementia, died, or until the end of December 2015, whichever came first.
This connection was true despite behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol, and remaining physically active. The researchers said that to their knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that chronic periodontitis could be linked to a higher risk for dementia even after taking lifestyle behaviors into account.
The researchers suggested that future studies be conducted to investigate whether preventing and treating chronic periodontitis could lead to a reduced risk of dementia.
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Gum Diseases
Gum disease is caused by plaque which is the sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. Gum disease can cause tooth loss because its symptoms are often painless and go unnoticed. Poor oral hygiene is responsible for plaque formation and consequent gum disease. There are two major types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
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The researchers looked at health information from 262,349 people aged 50 or older. All of the participants were grouped either as being healthy (meaning they had no chronic periodontitis) or as having been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. The researchers followed the participants from January 1, 2005 until they were diagnosed with dementia, died, or until the end of December 2015, whichever came first.
This connection was true despite behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol, and remaining physically active. The researchers said that to their knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that chronic periodontitis could be linked to a higher risk for dementia even after taking lifestyle behaviors into account.
The researchers suggested that future studies be conducted to investigate whether preventing and treating chronic periodontitis could lead to a reduced risk of dementia.
Source: Eurekalert
Dementia Risk Calculator
Dementia Risk Calculator is a tool to find out the risk of dementia among people over the age of 65.It also provides diet tips on Dementia.
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 Gum Disease Treatment Can Improve Clinical Outcomes in Cirrhosis PatientsRegular oral care to treat gum disease (periodontitis) can alter gut bacteria and reduce inflammation and cognitive problems in cirrhosis patients. | Advertisement
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