Dental care to cure Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is a disease that can, among other things, lead to memory loss, disorientation, and personality changes and is a scary specter for many people at the age of 65 or above. This neuro-degenerative disease manifests in the form of constantly worsening dementia and can, as of today, not be cured. Though the pharmaceutical industry has invested millions into research and development of Alzheimer’s drugs over the past few decades, all attempts to find a long-term cure have so far remained fruitless. The main reason for that is that the exact triggers for these illnesses are still mostly unknown. Recent studies have shown that some fairly mundane and easy-to-implement measures, such as an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, and even thorough dental care can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.How can dental plaque increase the risk of Alzheimer’s?
Recent scientific research has shown that bacteria that can cause periodontosis may also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to estimates, roughly 50% of people carry those so-called gingivitis bacteria – also called porphyromonas gingivalis – inside of them and roughly 20% of those people (so 10% of the total population) therefore suffer from gum inflammations.
These bacteria get the nourishment that they need for multiplication from dental plaque. Though scientists admit that gingivitis bacteria are not among the main reasons for the development of Alzheimer’s, they are nevertheless risk factors that need to be taken seriously. Also, do not be alarmed if the dentist mentions above-average plaque buildup during your next tooth cleaning visit. Just make sure to brush your teeth extra thoroughly if that happens.
How can one decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s?
Despite this inconvenient insight, science may have stumbled upon some hope in the form of the results of several new clinical trials involving compounds that may slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. These so-called gingipain-inhibitors do not only attack gingivitis-causing bacteria but may also stop neuro-degeneration in Alzheimer’s patients, according to their developing scientists. In clinical trials involving mice, these inhibitors have already shown significant potential and some initial positive results. The next development step is human testing.
Before these medicines hopefully successfully pass through the development process, Alzheimer’s patients and people with increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s (based on family history involving dementia and Alzheimer’s) can refer back to a proven prevention method: regular and thorough brushing with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss. Also, a strict adherence to dentist visits every 6 months involving professional tooth cleanings is also absolutely crucial.
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