Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease - Is There a Connection?

Image Source: © Colinda McKie / Fotolia

Alzheimer’s disease is mostly associated with elderly people, and the number affected by this condition is growing worldwide as the average world population age rises. The World Health Organization predicted dementia cases would triple to 115 million in 2050 from 36 million worldwide in 2010. The exact cause of the illness is unknown.

One possible cause that has gotten the attention of scientists is that gum disease can possibly increase the chances of developing a brain disease such as Alzheimer’s. According to the Journal of Alzheimer’sDisease, signs of the bacterium, known as Porphyromonas gingivitis, were found in four out of 10 samples of brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients, while no signs of the bug were found in 10 brains from people of similar age who never developed dementia.

This stunning news has made it all the more important to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Bacteria that enters the blood stream through your gums can cause diseases in almost all of your organs and can quite possible cause diseases in your brain as well.