Can oral health influence the development of Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of dementia worldwide, affecting approximately 5% of the population over 60 years of age. This disease is characterized by a gradual loss of memory and function that adversely affects patients' quality of life. These symptoms are caused by changes in the brain, such as the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques that disrupt communication between brain cells and neurofibrillary tangles of tau that are related to the death of neurons.

People with Alzheimer's tend to have more dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, than those without dementia.

Theories on the relationship between oral health and Alzheimer's disease

Recent research has found an increased presence of bacteria common in gum disease in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. These bacteria could travel to the brain through the blood or nervous system, triggering inflammation that accelerates brain degeneration.

Gum diseases, such as periodontitis, can cause increased production of inflammatory substances. When these substances reach the brain, they could contribute to the formation of Alzheimer's-related proteins such as amyloid-β and tau.

In addition, people who have the APOE-4 gene, known to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's, and who also have poor oral health, may have an even greater risk of developing the disease. This gene could facilitate the entry of bacteria into the brain and enhance inflammation.

Aging and its relation to oral health and Alzheimer's disease

Aging in itself causes a number of changes that affect people's oral health, increasing the risk of cavities, gum problems and tooth loss. In the case of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's, these problems gradually worsen as they become less able to take care of their oral hygiene.

Chewing problems and malnutrition

In addition to the common problems caused by not maintaining good oral hygiene, older people often have difficulty chewing due to tooth loss or poorly fitting dentures. Not being able to chew well can lead to malnutrition, which worsens overall health. For Alzheimer's patients, this can also accelerate the deterioration of their mental capacity.

Frailty in older adults

When we speak of frailty in older adults, we are referring to physical and mental vulnerability that is aggravated by age itself. In this context, missing teeth and gum problems can further complicate the situation. In people with Alzheimer's, this creates a vicious circle between frailty and poor oral health, which reinforce each other and can accelerate the progression of dementia.

Oral health management in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Because oral health greatly influences the overall health of patients, especially those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it is important to take a multi-specialist approach in these cases. Dentists, geriatricians and other professionals can work together to help prevent the progression of oral disease. In addition, it is key for caregivers and family members to be aware of the patient's oral care needs at each stage of the disease to avoid complications.

This approach not only improves the physical and oral health of Alzheimer's disease patients, but also benefits their emotional and mental well-being, helping to prevent major problems common in these cases, such as malnutrition or social isolation.

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Maintaining good oral health to prevent complications

Because oral health can be related to the development or worsening of other diseases, it is important to take preventive measures throughout life to reduce the risk of oral health problems. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is simple, just follow a daily routine to avoid plaque buildup and more serious problems such as gum disease.

Toothbrushing

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste with fluoride helps to remove dental biofilm, prevent tooth decay and reduce gum inflammation.

Flossing

Daily flossing is necessary to clean areas that the toothbrush cannot reach, such as the spaces between the teeth and under the gums. It helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of gum problems.

Mouthwash

Incorporating a Mouthwash into your daily routine can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, prevent gum infections and keep your mouth healthy.

Regular dental visits

Going to the dentist regularly is important so that specialists can detect any oral problems early and receive preventive treatments to treat the condition before it affects long-term health.

Although recent studies suggest that inflammation caused by dental problems, such as periodontitis, may be related to the development of Alzheimer's disease, it is still too early to say for sure. Nevertheless, it is true that this condition can make it difficult for patients to maintain good oral health due to loss of memory and motor skills. Adopting good oral hygiene practices and early interventions can improve both oral health and quality of life for patients.