Growing evidence of link between gum disease and sporadic late onset Alzheimer's

Periodontitis: a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

T. L. Cerajewska,1 M. Davies2 and N. X. West3 review the available evidence of the potential association between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction The role of periodontitis as a risk factor for multiple systemic diseases is widely accepted and there is growing evidence of an association between periodontitis and sporadic late onset Alzheimer’s disease (SLOAD). Recent epidemiologic, microbiologic and inflammatory findings strengthen this association, indicating that periodontal pathogens are possible contributors to neural inflammation and SLOAD. The aim of this article is to present contemporary evidence of this association. Alzheimer’s disease Dementia describes a set of symptoms which includes memory loss, mood changes, problems communicating and difficulty reasoning.1 Dementia is defined as a reduction in intellectual ability when compared to previous aptitude, which results in impaired function during ordinary daily activities despite unimpaired consciousness.2

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