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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
12.7K
[Oral diseases and dementia].
Kåre Buhlin1, Maria Eriksdotter2
1Enheten för parodontologi, institutionen för odontologi, Karolinska institutet, Huddinge; avdelningen för orala och maxillofaciala sjukdomar, Helsingfors universitet, Enheten för parodontologi, institutionen för odontologi, Karolinska institutet, Huddinge; avdelningen för orala och maxillofaciala sjukdomar, Helsingfors universitet.
Lakartidningen
|March 12, 2024
Summary
Oral diseases like periodontitis may increase dementia risk, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the link is uncertain, inflammation and reduced brain stimulation from tooth loss are potential factors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Oral Health
Context:
- The aging global population faces rising rates of cognitive disorders.
- Periodontitis, a common inflammatory oral disease, is increasingly linked to dementia risk.
- Dental care access declines post-dementia diagnosis, complicating management.
Purpose:
- To explore the association between oral diseases, specifically periodontitis, and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To investigate potential biological mechanisms linking oral health and cognitive decline.
- To examine the impact of tooth loss on brain function and blood flow.
Summary:
- Research indicates a correlation between periodontitis and an elevated risk of dementia, though findings vary.
- Potential mechanisms include the systemic spread of inflammatory mediators and oral bacteria to the brain.
- Reduced chewing stimulation due to tooth loss may decrease cerebral blood flow and neural activity.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential systemic impact of oral health on cognitive function in aging populations.
- Suggests a need for further research to establish causality and inform preventative strategies.
- Underscores the importance of oral hygiene and dental care in maintaining overall health, including brain health.
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