Better Dental Care Avoids Dementia?

The  search for the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia might have taken a big step forward. A new study found that people with Alzheimer’s have a bacteria related to gum disease in their brains, while those without Alzheimer’s don’t have the bacteria in their brains. Most people don’t realize it, but bad dental hygiene is related to several diseases. There’s a higher incidence of heart disease and some cancers in people with gum disease. The theory is that the bacteria generated by gum disease gets in the blood stream, travels to other parts of the body, and causes problems. Apparently, visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of your tooth can do more good than simply retaining your natural teeth.

“The issue is to reduce the bacterial load that occupies our gum tissues, to reduce the bacterial assault if and when it happens,” Crean said.

The study was paid for by the university, Crean said. He and his colleagues are seeking funding for additional research to explore the potential connection between the bacteria and the development of Alzheimer’s.