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People With Gum Disease Were Far More Likely to Show Signs of Alzheimer’s Risk, New Study Finds
Researchers looked at people with mild cognitive impairment, an early warning stage before Alzheimer’s.
Overall, 38% of them had periodontitis, advanced gum disease.
Meanwhile, in the group that had already progressed to Alzheimer’s dementia, that number jumped to 67%.
On top of that, the ones with both mild cognitive impairment and gum disease scored worse on cognitive tests than the ones without gum disease.
Overall, 38% of them had periodontitis, advanced gum disease.
Meanwhile, in the group that had already progressed to Alzheimer’s dementia, that number jumped to 67%.
On top of that, the ones with both mild cognitive impairment and gum disease scored worse on cognitive tests than the ones without gum disease.
First, this is an association, not proof gum disease causes Alzheimer’s. Also, cognitive decline can make it harder to keep up with brushing and dental visits, so the relationship may run both directions. Either way, this isn’t medical advice.
The Suspected Mechanism
According to published research from the American Academy of Periodontology, the likely culprit is a specific bacterium: Porphyromonas gingivalis, the same one behind most severe gum disease.
Specifically, it can travel from the mouth to the brain. Once there, it releases toxins called gingipains, which have been linked to neuron damage and higher beta-amyloid levels, the protein tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, people with mild cognitive impairment who also had gum disease showed lower beta-amyloid readings than those without gum disease, a pattern researchers are still working to fully explain.
Specifically, it can travel from the mouth to the brain. Once there, it releases toxins called gingipains, which have been linked to neuron damage and higher beta-amyloid levels, the protein tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, people with mild cognitive impairment who also had gum disease showed lower beta-amyloid readings than those without gum disease, a pattern researchers are still working to fully explain.
Ignoring It vs. Staying Ahead of It
| Ignored | Managed |
|---|---|
| Gum disease left untreated | Caught and treated early |
| Bacterial balance | Supported daily |
| Dental checkups | Kept regular, not skipped |
What This Doesn’t Mean
To be fair, no dentist is diagnosing Alzheimer’s risk from a gum exam. In fact, that’s not where this research is.
Still, gum disease is common, often painless in early stages, and one of the few risk factors here that’s actually within your control. In addition, an oral probiotic, like the one on our resource page, supports daily bacterial balance. However, it’s not a treatment for gum disease or Alzheimer’s, and it isn’t what was studied here.
Still, gum disease is common, often painless in early stages, and one of the few risk factors here that’s actually within your control. In addition, an oral probiotic, like the one on our resource page, supports daily bacterial balance. However, it’s not a treatment for gum disease or Alzheimer’s, and it isn’t what was studied here.
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What To Actually Do
First, don’t skip your dental checkups, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of Alzheimer’s.
Second, get gum disease treated if you have it. After all, it’s manageable, and this research is one more reason not to put it off.
Finally, support daily oral bacterial balance. For example, small randomized research on Lactobacillus reuteri found less gum bleeding and plaque versus placebo in gingivitis. That said, it’s general support, not a fix for this specific link.
Second, get gum disease treated if you have it. After all, it’s manageable, and this research is one more reason not to put it off.
Finally, support daily oral bacterial balance. For example, small randomized research on Lactobacillus reuteri found less gum bleeding and plaque versus placebo in gingivitis. That said, it’s general support, not a fix for this specific link.
One Honest Caveat
To be clear, this is an association from observational research, not a cause-and-effect finding. Therefore, no supplement mentioned here has been shown to affect Alzheimer’s risk or cognitive decline.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Apex Wellness Report participates in affiliate marketing. Some links in this post, including the ones above, are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we believe are genuinely relevant to our readers. This article summarizes observational research and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, and no product mentioned here has been shown to affect Alzheimer’s risk.