Gum disease ‘can elevate risk of Alzheimer’s disease’

People with long-term cases of gum disease may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

Published in the medical journal Alzheimer's Research and Therapy, the study looked at more than 25,000 people to examine whether patients aged 50 or older with severe gum disease had an increased risk of Alzheimer's.

It was shown that people who suffered from chronic periodontitis for ten years or longer were 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's, even though no direct causal link between the two diseases was identified.

Responding to the report, the Oral Health Foundation noted that this adds to the body of evidence suggesting that poor oral health and general health problems are closely linked.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive officer of the Oral Health Foundation, said: "Studies such as this can be hugely significant in helping us to understand how we can maybe help reduce our risk of developing different diseases and as a result, improve the lives of millions of people in the future."

Gum disease is considered entirely preventable and treatable, simply through regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and frequent visits to the dentist, among other routine interventions.

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