Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer's?
- Neurology Associates
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
New research continues to strengthen the evidence of a potential link between periodontal disease and cognitive decline, suggesting that what happens in your mouth may impact your brain health decades later. A groundbreaking 20-year study published in Neurology has found that people with severe gum disease had approximately double the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia later in life.
"Given the staggering number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia each year, and the opportunity to improve oral health across the life span, it's important to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between poor oral health and cognitive decline," said Bei Wu, a professor in global health at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and the senior study author, in a statement.
What Does the Latest Research Tell Us About Periodontal Disease and Cognitive Decline?
A recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has added significant evidence to the growing body of research exploring the connection between oral health and brain function.
The study tracked participants' dental health over two decades
Results showed people with severe gum disease had about twice the risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia
"We looked at people's dental health over a 20-year period and found that people with the most severe gum disease at the start of our study had about twice the risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia by the end," said study author Ryan Demmer, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota.
"We haven't proven causation," said Demmer, "but if it is causal, the population impact could be significant. Half the population has periodontal disease severe enough to put them at higher risk."
This long-term study provides some of the strongest temporal evidence yet of a potential connection between these two seemingly unrelated health conditions.
How Might Oral Infection or Gum Disease Lead to Systemic Disease?
While researchers haven't definitively proven causation, several plausible mechanisms might explain how problems in the mouth could affect the brain:
Direct bacterial impact: Previous studies have shown that bacteria present in periodontal disease, particularly certain spirochetes, can travel along the trigeminal nerve to the brain, potentially causing damage to cells in the brain
The P. gingivalis connection: This specific bacterium—strongly associated with gum disease—has been linked to Alzheimer's in multiple studies
Inflammatory pathway: "Inflammation as a result of gum disease has been linked to other disease states, including cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease," noted Dr. James Wilson, president of the American Academy of Periodontology
Indirect connections: "There is a robust body of literature suggesting that chronic periodontal infections might contribute to insulin resistance, prediabetes, incident diabetes and incident stroke. Accordingly, insulin resistance, diabetes and stroke are strong predictors of future cognitive decline," Demmer explained
The Significance of Periodontal Pathogens in Public Health
The potential implications of this research are substantial given how common gum disease is globally.
The oral microbiome plays a central role in this relationship, with bacteria in the mouth potentially causing both periodontal disease and wider systemic health problems
Researchers use periodontal measurements as markers for chronic exposure to harmful oral bacteria
Multiple studies have established links between P. gingivalis—a key bacterium in gum disease—and Alzheimer's disease
Left untreated, gum disease can progress to tooth loss and potentially increase the risk of developing other serious health complications beyond the mouth.
The Critical Role of Tooth Loss and Dentures
Tooth loss represents an advanced stage of periodontal disease and may have additional impacts beyond the immediate oral environment:
Nutritional pathway: Proper chewing ability affects overall nutrition and health, as the inability to eat certain foods can lead to dietary restrictions and potential nutritional deficiencies
Psychological benefits: Dentures can significantly improve self-image and confidence, positively affecting mental health and social engagement
Preventive approach: Increasing awareness about oral health and providing access to preventive treatments, including dentures when needed, should be healthcare priorities
Overall wellbeing: Maintaining the ability to eat a normal diet is crucial for physical health and quality of life
Dentures serve a dual purpose by enabling patients to maintain proper nutrition while also providing the confidence to smile naturally and engage in social activities without embarrassment.
Expert Care at Neurology Associates
For those concerned about the link between periodontal disease and cognitive health, specialized medical support is essential. Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center at their Chandler and Mesa locations offers comprehensive care addressing the potential mouth-mind connection discussed throughout this article.
Their neurologists provide expert evaluation of cognitive status while considering factors like oral health that may impact brain function. This holistic approach is crucial when examining potential connections between conditions like gum disease and Alzheimer's.
For families with busy schedules or transportation limitations, Neurology Associates provides flexible options including telemedicine consultations for qualifying patients, making specialized neurological care more accessible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The contents of this blog post should not be taken as medical advice. While understanding the potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer's is valuable, medical diagnosis and treatment should be implemented as part of a comprehensive medical plan developed by specialists.