Doctors sometimes describe the triangular area of the face encompassing the nose and mouth, where untreated wounds can transmit bacteria to the brain, such as the "danger triangle of the face" or the "triangle of death".
This disturbing classification was adopted when doctors discovered that the blood vessels in this triangular area of the face had strong ties to the blood vessels of your brain, allowing dangerous bacteria to penetrate open wounds more readily and transmit infections to your skull. untreated, could cause death.
It is true that bacteria accumulated between your unwashed hands and your humiliating pimples can spread to the brain more easily than a leg cut, with modern medicine, deaths due to the penetration of bacteria in these cracks are unlikely.
Read more: What our teeth reveal about us
Although the facial triangle of death does not kill many people, bacteria can also have very real consequences, according to a study by researcher Piotr Mydel of the University of Bergen, Norway.
The study, published in the journal Progress of science, indicates a relationship between gum disease and the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. Mydel found that the more you would lazily forget about brushing your teeth today, the more you would forget later.
Brush twice a day to maximize your dental hygiene
Gum disease is caused by the build-up of dental plaque on the teeth, which occurs most often when we do not brush or floss regularly. The study found that this plaque contains bacteria that can move to the brain, producing a protein that can destroy nerve cells.
The destruction of nerve cells in the brain results in memory loss and eventually Alzheimer's disease. This is not the only cause, said Mydel, but the bacteria can increase the risk of developing degenerative disease and can worsen it.
The bacterium that causes gum disease is affected by about 50% of the population, but only 10% will suffer the worst effects, including serious gum disease, tooth loss and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease said Mydel.
Read more: What should you do when brushing your teeth?
There are many hard things in the world: it is difficult to raise our families, to go to university and pay our bills. Brushing your teeth, however, is not one of those things – it's a no-brainer.
If, in the long term, the abandonment of lazy brushing can have harmful consequences, as Mydel's research has shown, it is also frankly brutal in the short term.
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8 ways to prevent dementia
Losing weight
Overweight people absolutely have to do something for their diet and go to the gym. Obesity is a key factor in the development of dementia. More exercise improves blood circulation and contributes to a healthier metabolism.
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8 ways to prevent dementia
A Mediterranean style diet
A healthy diet – rich in vegetables, salads and vegetable fats – has a positive effect on the blood vessels. Epidemiological studies have shown that people who reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke may also develop dementia later than people who consume high-cholesterol foods.
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8 ways to prevent dementia
Get your move!
Physical activity uses blood vessels and is therefore effective against dementia. It also directly helps the nervous system: the brain ultimately controls the body and receives the stimulus from the nerves of the muscles. The ability to maintain balance and guidance improves, as does memory.
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8 ways to prevent dementia
Leave this vice!
Quitting smoking has never been so simple: it's forbidden almost everywhere and fewer and fewer people are brightening it. This also reduces the incentive to smoke in company. Frankly, nicotine is a nervous poison! This also increases the risk of circulatory diseases, which means that less oxygen gets to the brain. And that increases the risk of dementia.
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8 ways to prevent dementia
Alcohol is a pure poison
Alcohol is also a nervous agent. At higher doses, it directly damages the brain. Even at lower concentrations, it increases the risk of dementia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and damage to vital organs.
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8 ways to prevent dementia
Check your blood pressure
Keeping your blood pressure under control is an essential part of preventing dementia. Cardiovascular diseases are often linked to different forms of dementia. You can lower your blood pressure by playing sports, eating healthily, and refraining from smoking or drinking. However, some people need to take extra medicines to achieve their blood pressure goals. Talk to your doctor!
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8 ways to prevent dementia
Stay mentally active
Any form of mental activity keeps the brain active. But it's not just about solving puzzles or learning things by heart. Social contacts are much more important because they represent a challenge and help to conserve memory. So stay in touch with your friends, do things together or organize community events!
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8 ways to prevent dementia
The best of all worlds: dance
The music, the company, the exercise and the control of the body will keep you young and healthy! There is probably nothing better to prevent dementia than a regular passage on the dance floor. But success is not guaranteed, of course: dancers can also fall ill with dementia at some point.
Author: Fabian Schmidt
