Abstract
The hypothesis of an infectious connection from the oro-pharyngeal sphere to the brain underlines the interest in analyzing the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the link between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontal disease in patients aged 65 and over. Databases (PubMed (MEDLINE), the Cochrane Library, and Embase) were analyzed for relevant references up to 21 June 2021. The authors independently selected the studies and extracted the data. The quality of included studies was checked using the National Institutes of Health’s quality assessment tools. Five studies were included. The selected studies described in their results an increase in F. nucleatum in Alzheimer’s disease patients (adjusted p = 0.02), and its incidence was linked to C. rectus and P. gingivalis (adjusted HR = 1.22 (1.04–1.43), p = 0.012) as well as A. naeslundii (crude HR = 2.0 (1.1–3.8)). The presence of periodontitis at baseline was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline over a 6-month follow-up period (ADAS-Cog mean change = 2.9 ± 6.6). The current review suggests an association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment of periodontal disease could be a way to explore Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
Highlights
When the gum inflammation persists and progresses, it creates the conditions for the development of periodontitis [3,4], which can spread to the alveolar bone, the cementum, and the periodontal ligament
While the PPD was evaluated in all studies including a clinical diagnosis of periodontal disease (PD) [27,29,30,31], the clinical attachment level (CAL) was measured in only one study [30], the BOP was listed in one study [27], and the PI was registered in two studies [29,31]
The literature currently seems to converge towards the affirmation of a link between periodontal diseases and Alzheimer’s disease
Summary
With good dental hygiene, the composition of the microbiota remains stable [1] This ecosystem is in a fragile balance to maintain oral health. Because of different factors such as sugars, acids, or a lack of tooth brushing, the plaque composition could evolve into having a greater proportion of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria [2]. This altered balance, named oral dysbiosis, can lead to oral pathologies such as periodontal disease (PD). When the gum inflammation persists and progresses, it creates the conditions for the development of periodontitis [3,4], which can spread to the alveolar bone, the cementum, and the periodontal ligament.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
