The 2-Minute Habit That May Prevent Alzheimer's

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The 2-Minute Habit That May PreventAlzheimer'sBy Lisa Collier Cool

Aug 16, 2013

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Health Topics

Taking great care of your teethwith daily brushing and flossingmay

dramatically cut risk for Alzheimers disease, according to surprising new

research.

British scientists report finding signs of gum-disease bacteria in the brains of

Alzheimers patients. The new study adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence

strongly linking periodontal (gum) disease to greatly increased risk for the

memory-robbing disorder.

Byproducts of this bacterium, known as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis),

were found in brain samples of four out of ten Alzheimers patients, but not in

samples from ten people of similar age without dementia, according to the study

published inJournal of Alzheimers Disease.

Gum Inflammation Multiplies Alzheimers Risk

P. gingivalisis commonly found in people with chronic periodontal (gum) disease,

and can enter the bloodstream through such everyday activities as eating,

brushing, and invasive dental treatments, and from there, potentially travel to the

brain.

Thats scary considering that periodontal diseasea chronic inflammatory

disease of the gums and bones supporting the teethaffects nearly 50 percent

of American adults over age 30, and 70 percent of those age 65 or older, the

American Academy of Periodontologyreports.

In a2010 studyinvolving 152 people, NYU dental researchers linked inflamed

gums to greatly increased risk for cognitive impairment associated with

Alzheimers. The study compared mental function at ages 50 and 70 and found

that people with gum inflammation were nine times more likely to score in the

lowest category of mental function than those with little or no inflammation.

The link held true even when such risk factors as smoking, obesity, and tooth

loss unrelated to gum disease were taken into account. The association was also
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seen in people who already had impaired cognitive function at age 50: gum

disease made things get even worse.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease

How do oral bacteria harm the brain?

The new British study discussed above adds to a 2012 study in which 158

cognitively normal people were checked for antibodies to gum-disease bacteria

in their blood (indicating exposure to these bugs).

People with the antibodies were more likely to develop Alzheimers disease (AD)

or cognitive impairment in later years than were people without the antibodies,

suggesting that periodontal disease could potentially contribute to AD

onset/progression, the researchers concluded.

Whats the link between oral bacteria and memory loss? One theory is that

these pathogens may generate inflammation in brain cells involved in

Alzheimers, such as the glial cells, saysBradley Bale, MD,medical director of

the Heart Health Program at Grace Clinic in Lubbock, Texas.

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimers disease is activated glial cells, with highlevels of inflammatory molecules that lead to nerve cell damage and destruction,

adds Dr. Bale.

10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Smile

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy Reduces Dementia Risk

A toothbrush can be a powerful weapon against Alzheimers,a 2012 study

suggests. California researchers tracked 5,468 seniors over an 18-year periodand found that those who didnt brush daily were up to 65 percent more likely to

develop dementia than those who brushed three times a day.

To keep your teethand possibly your brainin excellent health, follow these

tips from Dr. Bale:
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Brush at least twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime. Dr. Bale

recommends using an electronic toothbrush for two minutes and fluoride

toothpaste.

Be sure to brush both the back and front of each tooth, along with your gums

and tongue.

Floss at least once a day, being sure to wrap the floss around each tooth to

remove debris and bacteria. An oral irrigator, such as Waterpik, can also

be helpful for cleaning between the teeth.

Know the symptoms of gum disease and alert your dentist if you have any of

them. The leading warning sign is bleeding when you brush or floss.

Others include red, puffy or tender gums, loose teeth, pus between your

gums and teeth, and a change in your bite (how your teeth fit together),

any of which should warrant a prompt dental checkup.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional

cleaning. Even if you dont have any symptoms of gum disease, the

checkup should include measuring the pockets between your teeth, which

is done painlessly with a dental probe. In the early stages, gum disease

may not cause any obvious symptoms.Avoid smoking, which greatly increases risk for gum disease.

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The 2-Minute Habit That May Prevent Alzheimer's