CAREGIVER ALERT: The Connection Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer ’s Disease

A recent research study showed that the presence of gum disease was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline in dementia patients.By Rita Jablonski and Bob DeMarcoAlzheimer ’s Reading RoomBottom line: gum disease can hasten memory loss and hasten the progression of Alzheimer's disease.Most people know that keeping teeth and dentures clean makes the person with dementia feel good,but mouth care goes beyond “feeling” good.Healthy teeth and gums can keep the rest of the body healthy.About the Alzheimer's Reading RoomSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading - This is a Free Service - Join NowInadequate mouth care, often from refusals to brush,can lead to things like gum disease, periodontitis, and pneumonia.We rarely hear caregivers talking or even thinking about this issue.The two most frequent causes of death in dementia patients are pneumonia (aspiration pneumonia), and infection. It is highly probable that the infections may be coming from the mouth!An undetected gum infection can cause a dementia patient to be mean, and can contribute to memory loss.We know of Alzheimer's patients that have died as a result of a mouth infection that spread into the body. This alone should tell you that you have to pay close attention to the gums of a person living with Alzheimer's.Why should you be concerned about gum disease?A recent research study showed that the presence of gum disease was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline i...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's and dental health alzheimer's and dentures alzheimers gum disease flossing and dementia oral hygiene and dementia Source Type: blogs