Gum disease linked to increased risk of cognitive decline, study suggests

A new study suggests that gum disease may disrupt brain activity and increase the risk of cognitive decline, potentially contributing to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from Anhui Medical University in China found that individuals with moderate-to-severe gum disease experienced altered brain connections, as shown in MRI scans. These changes were linked to impaired brain network function, even in people with normal cognition.

The study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, indicates that gum infections may cause brain inflammation and promote the buildup of amyloid beta deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.

Researchers emphasized that understanding the link between oral health and brain function could pave the way for new prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s disease. Improving oral hygiene might benefit neurological health globally, they concluded.