What is the link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease?
Oral health plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing, but researchers have recently discovered that its impact may extend beyond the mouth. Emerging research suggests that there is a strong link between periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, and Alzheimer’s disease, a form of progressive incapacitating dementia that affects memory and cognitive function.
Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to bone loss and gum deterioration. Researchers have observed similarities between the chronic inflammation associated with periodontitis and that present in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Understanding these potential links between oral and cognitive health could open up new perspectives in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. By adopting appropriate preventive measures to maintain good oral health, we could potentially reduce the risk of developing this devastating disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease ?
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder of the brain that mainly affects memory, reasoning, behaviour and cognitive functions. It is characterised by a gradual and irreversible deterioration of brain cells, leading to impaired mental capacity and reduced functional performance.
The first signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often problems with short-term memory, difficulty remembering new events, language and comprehension disorders, and disturbances in temporal and spatial orientation. As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to carry out simple everyday tasks, have difficulty recognising familiar faces and experience communication difficulties.
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by lesions in the brain, notably amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary degeneration, which interfere with transmissions between brain cells, leading to their progressive death. Risk factors include advanced age, a family history of the disease, specific genetic changes and certain lifestyle aspects.
The link between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontitis
Recent scientific studies have revealed a correlation between periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums, and Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder of the brain. Although the exact nature of this link is still being studied, certain observations suggest an association between these two conditions.
Research has been carried out to explore the potential mechanisms linking periodontitis to Alzheimer’s disease. Experimental studies on animal models have shown that the chronic inflammation induced by periodontitis can promote the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, a characteristic marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Periodontitis is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in dental plaque, which leads to inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth. This chronic inflammation can lead to progressive destruction of the gum tissue and the ligament that holds the teeth in place, as well as the alveolar bone. As well as causing dental problems, periodontitis can also lead to the release of inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory chemicals in the body.
Some of these inflammatory substances can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. Studies have shown that the chronic inflammation associated with periodontitis can promote the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques are protein aggregates found in the neurons of certain neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, the systemic inflammation caused by periodontitis can provoke a distant inflammatory reaction in the brain, contributing to degenerative processes. This chronic inflammation can also disrupt the immune system, promoting oxidative stress and neuronal deterioration.
It should be stressed that the relationship between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease is complex and multifactorial. Other common risk factors, such as ageing, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, may also contribute to the onset of both conditions.
Preventing periodontal disease
Preventing periodontitis, which is potentially associated with Alzheimer’s disease, is based on measures aimed at maintaining good oral health. Rigorous and regular oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as interdental cleaning with dental floss or interdental brushes, can help prevent periodontitis.
As well as oral hygiene, it’s important to stress that preventing and treating periodontitis can play a key role in overall health, including brain health. Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and appropriate dental care are essential. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and managing stress, can also help reduce the risk of periodontitis and potentially Alzheimer’s disease.
