Gum disease sufferers are 70% more likely to develop dementia, say scientists

People who suffer from long-term gum disease are 70% more likely to develop dementia, a study has found.

Researchers at a university in Taiwan said that years of mouth problems could eventually lead to damage in the brain.

Scientists at Chung Shan Medical University in Taichung advised thorough toothbrushing to avoid developing Alzheimer’s disease, The Times reported.

The study of 28,000 people examined 9,300 patients with a recent diagnosis of chronic periodontitis, a common gum disease, and compared them with 18,700 others who were followed over more than a decade.

It found that 115 people with gum disease developed Alzheimer’s compared with 208 without.

Those with poor gums were also more likely to have high blood pressure and suffer from depression.

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However, those with long-term gum disease – who have suffered with the condition for more than ten years – were 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

The results of the research were published in the Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy journal.

‘This finding supports the notion that pro-inflammatory factors due to [gum disease] may slowly and progressively induce neurodegenerative changes that lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease,’ wrote Chang-Kai Chen from the Chung Shan Medical University.

James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, told The Times: ‘Although at first it does not seem obvious that gum disease could be linked to brain health, it is plausible that an immune reaction triggered by the gum disease could make its way to the brain and contribute to the development of dementia.’

Matthew Norton, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘While this study is interesting, we still don’t know whether gum disease is causing an increased risk, and can’t tell whether treating gum disease could be an effective way of reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.

‘Evidence suggests that the best way to maintain brain health as we get older is to not smoke, eat a healthy diet, only drink in moderation, stay mentally and physically active and keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check.’