A recent analysis led by National Institute on Aging (NIA) scientists suggests that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease that causes the chronic inflammation are also associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, especially vascular dementia.

A new study finds an association between tooth loss, gum disease (or periodontal disease), and a shrinking of the brain area thought to be involved in memory, and specifically with Alzheimer’s disease. Brain volume is an indicator of atrophy and loss of cognitive function that can occur with age or disease. According to the study, a missing tooth was the equivalent of brain shrinkage of nearly an additional year of brain aging, and severe gum disease was equal to 1.3 years of brain aging.

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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/poor-dental-health-may-increase-alzheimers-risk

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/tooth-loss-older-adults-linked-higher-risk-dementia

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/09/21/teeth-gums-oral-health-dementia-alzheimers/