The Link Between Periodontitis and Alzheimer ’s Disease: Reality or Yet Another Association

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo establish a link or causation between periodontitis and Alzheimer ’s disease requires studies that first establish an association or correlation between these two diseases, followed by in vitro, animal model, and human studies to identify possible underlying biological mechanisms, and finally assessing the benefits of periodontal therapy in general and targeted therapies against the microbiota and inflammatory responses in periodontitis. This review presents an update on the current correlation and biological mechanisms that link these two diseases, with special emphasis on the keystone periodontal pathogenPorphyromonas gingivalis and its key family of gingipain enzymes.Recent FindingsRecent evidence for slowing the progression of Alzheimer ’s disease through periodontal therapy in general, as well as focused therapies directed againstPorphyromonas gingivalis and its gingipains, are presented.SummaryThese intervention studies, together with the recent association and biological mechanism studies, strengthen the evidence for a direct link or causation between these two diseases. In addition, these recent studies support the special role of the dental practitioner in the management of patients with cognitive decline.

Source: Current Oral Health Reports - September 23, 2022 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research