Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is classified as a neurodegenerative condition, a heterogeneous group of illnesses characterized by the slow and progressive loss of one or more functions of the nervous system. Its incidence tends to increase gradually from 65 years of age, up to a prevalence of 4% at age 75. The loss of dental elements is more prevalent in this population and might negatively affect the masticatory capacity, quality of life, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated problems related to oral health and the loss of dental elements in elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and considered whether local inflammatory processes could affect the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify a link between the causes leading to tooth loss and the onset/progression of Alzheimer’s disease. We also studied whether there is a higher incidence of tooth loss (primary outcome) and edentulism (secondary outcome) among Alzheimer’s patients. We searched records in electronic databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science using the following keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease AND periodontal, Alzheimer’s Disease AND periodontitis, dementia AND (periodontitis OR periodontal) “Alzheimer’s Disease” AND “tooth” OR “dental loss,” “dementia” AND “edentulous,” “Alzheimer’s Disease” AND “edentulous,” “dementia” AND “tooth” OR “dental loss.” The records were screened, and after applying the eligibility and inclusion criteria, nine articles were left, six of which were analyzed for the primary outcome (loss of dental elements) and six for the secondary outcome (tooth loss). Results from this meta-analysis revealed that Alzheimer’s disease patients have an increased risk of dental loss (hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–2.30, p = 0.05) and edentulous condition (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.70–3.01, p < 0.001). A quantitative analysis of the included studies indicated that patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by a greater number of lost dental elements and general edentulism compared to the control groups.
Highlights
Diseases related to aging in Western countries are becoming increasingly prevalent with a more significant socioeconomic impact due to the increase in the average lifespan
75 articles were read as full text, and only nine articles were eligible for inclusion
Alzheimer’s a fortiori have difficulty with mnemonic skills, they gradually reduce their attention to oral hygiene issues, which can result in deterioration of their oral health [23], leading to peripheral inflammatory processes that may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease [38]
Summary
Diseases related to aging in Western countries are becoming increasingly prevalent with a more significant socioeconomic impact due to the increase in the average lifespan. One such condition, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is characterized by the slow and progressive loss of one or more functions. A recurring sign of this pathology is dementia, defined as “a significant decrease or total loss of intellectual functions, which gradually and progressively takes place, due to different causes in previously healthy subjects [2].”. The elderly need to be able to face senility under improved conditions through a reduction in the most disabling manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease [3] A recurring sign of this pathology is dementia, defined as “a significant decrease or total loss of intellectual functions, which gradually and progressively takes place, due to different causes in previously healthy subjects [2].” The elderly need to be able to face senility under improved conditions through a reduction in the most disabling manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease [3]
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