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Artisan Dentistry's Blog

Gum Inflammation Linked to Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s

Jan 23rd, 2024

A black-and-white close-up portrait of an older man with a serious expression, showing deep facial lines and textured skin, conveying a sense of experience and resilience

New research conducted by New York University seems to link gum inflammation to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals, and in those genetically predisposed to the risk.

These findings are based off of data gathered over a period of twenty years from 152 subjects who began observation at the age of 50, and ended at 70. The experiment consisted of taking blood tests to identify the levels of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal (gum) disease. Then, subjects were given a standard test to determine IQ.

The findings, which were presented in 2010, showed a clear connection between higher levels of antibodies in blood and lowered tests scores. It was found that subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely have test scores in the lower range than those with little to no inflammation. These findings were consistent even in subjects with other risk factors, and subjects whose initial tests were on the low end of the spectrum. Although this link is fairly strong based on this data, researchers hope to conduct more testing with a sample that includes to ethnic and geographic diversity.

This new research serves to strengthen the idea, which has been around for many hundred of years in different forms, that total body health is much more connected than we think. It’s hard to see skipping that floss in the morning could be affecting our chances of developing something as serious as Alzheimer’s. But in reality, our bodies are complex machines designed by nature over the course of evolution to run like a well-assembled watch, or car. By neglecting any one part of the system, we risk the integrity of whole thing.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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