The Link Between Cognitive Impairment and Dental Health
The National Institutes of Health have given a $1.3 million grant to a doctor to research how cognitive decline and dental health are linked together in elderly people.
Older adults commonly have poor oral health as well as cognitive decline, such as extreme cases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With more information on these health conditions, people can improve their oral and cognitive health.
In previous research, people found that there are links between gum disease, tooth loss and a decline in cognitive function and memory. Thus far, it is not clear what the specific underlying factors of this link are. If you do have gum disease, receding gums, bleeding gums, and so on, you should check out PerioTherapy to help solve your problem.
Dentists have been recommended to inform patients with severe gum (periodontal) disease that there is a strong correlation between below par dental health and a higher risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. These patients should be directed to see a doctor, since the proof of the relationship between overall health and dental health is increasing.
Source: Brafton Inc.
Tags: alzheimer's, alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, cognitive function, cognitive impairment, cognitive research, dementia, gum disease, Oral Health, oral health and cognitive function, oral health research, periodontal disease, poor oral health
May 11th, 2010 at 1:18 am
According to some studies, periodontal pathogens that cause gum inflammation can also inflame other parts of the body, such as brain tissue, which can lead to cognitive impairment.