People with chronic periodontitis have a higher risk of dementia

Untreated gum disease (gingivitis) can become periodontitis. When this happens, the infection that affects your gums results in a loss of bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Interestingly, periodontitis is also a risk factor for developing dementia, one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. According to UN predictions, a diagnosis of Alzheimer 's disease, a form of dementia, will be diagnosed in 1 individual by 2050. The reduction of risk factors for dementia and dementia. Alzheimer's could potentially reduce the chances of developing these diseases.

South Korean researchers have recently studied the link between chronic periodontitis and dementia. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The research team reviewed information from the NHIS-HEALS (National Health Insurance Service) cohort. In South Korea, the NHIS provides compulsory health insurance covering all types of health care for all Korean citizens. The agency also runs health screening exams twice a year for all registrants aged 40 and over and maintains detailed health records for all registrants.

The researchers examined the health-related information of 262,349 people aged 50 and over. All participants were grouped either as being in good health (that is, they did not have chronic periodontitis) or as being diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Researchers followed participants from January 1, 2005 to the death of their dementia or until the end of December 2015, whichever comes first.

The researchers learned that the risk of dementia was 6% higher in people with chronic periodontitis than in those without periodontitis. This relationship was true despite behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying physically active. The researchers stated that to their knowledge, this was the first study to demonstrate that chronic periodontitis may be badociated with a higher risk of dementia, even after taking into account mode-related behaviors. of life.

The researchers suggested that studies be conducted to determine whether the prevention and treatment of chronic periodontitis could reduce the risk of dementia.