Gum disease linked to Alzheimer's disease

A group of American dental researchers have made a surprising discovery with regard to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The team from the Ney York University College of Dentistry has found that gum disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, it has been established that this link is present in healthy individuals, as well as those who already have some cognitive impairment.

Research leader Dr Angela Kramer and her team examined 20 years of data to support the hypothesis.

"The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal [gum] inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation," she said.

These results have now convinced Dr Kramer to undertake a larger follow-up study to research the causes of this link.

Boston University researchers recently established that poor circulation can age the brain, which means development of dementia becomes more likely.

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