What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's is an accelerated version of dementia (60-80% of cases) that impacts your memory, thinking, and behaviors in every area of your life. This ongoing disease has no cure, varied symptoms that typically start after the age of 65, and progresses differently in every patient due to a wide variety of conditions. According to the CDC Alzheimer's ranks fifth in terms of the case for death in people 65 years or older, of which 90% of adults do not see any symptoms until after the age of 60. There are a lot of various treatment options available for Alzheimer's so if you suspect you or someone you know may have it, you should contact your doctor.

What is the main cause of Alzheimer's?

Published in May 2013 in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease the University of Central Lancashire School of medicine and dentistry found connections between dentistry and Alzheimer's. Ten patients with and without dementia were studied. All ten patients with dementia were found to have gum disease-related bacteria in their brains while none of the patients without dementia had this bacteria. This bacteria enters the bloodstream and can get transported directly to your brain, which triggers an immune system reaction that inevitably leads to brain impairment. This is due to the chemicals that kill neurons in the parts of your brain that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's. Dr. Sim K. Singhrao who ran this study added that as your brain becomes exposed to this gum bacteria, subsequent immune responses may lead to nerve cell death and memory loss.

Does gum disease increase your risk of Alzheimer's?

In 2016 a new study revealed the link between gum disease and cognitive decline in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The dental health of 52 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's was monitored for about 6 months. The dental health of each participant was assessed with blood samples, inflammatory markers, and various cognitive tests. The Alzheimer patients that also had gum disease had a cognitive decline that was 6 times as bad as the patients without gum disease due to their bodies increased inflammatory response. The research strongly supports how effective gum treatment can reduce inflammatory bacteria and elevated risks of cognitive decline.

How does Alzheimer's lead to death?

Alzheimer's disease doesn't typically lead to death. Complications from the disease however like blood clotting could! For the most part, Alzheimer's is an advanced form of dementia that causes debilitating limitations to your later years in life.

dental health Archives

Great Oral Health and Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

January 13, 2022

The connection between poor dental health and worsening Alzheimer’s conditions is relatively new information with enormous benefits. Whether you’ve ever known someone with a form of dementia or not this blog is for you. The risk of cognitive impairments later in …