Gum disease linked to Alzheimer's and mental decline
The importance of good gum health has been emphasised in a new study that has found an association between inflammation and mental decline.
Inflammation of the gums can cause brain inflammation, which leads to neuro-degeneration, and to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers from New York University made the connection after they discovered that Alzheimer’s patients had significantly higher levels of antibodies and inflammatory molecules from diseased gums and teeth compared to healthy people.
(Source: proceedings of the International Association for Dental Research, Barcelona, Spain, July 16, 2010).