Dangerous Risk Factor SKYROCKETS Dementia
Dementia has skyrocketed in recent years.
But despite the alarming number of people who are suffering from it — and the staggering number of research dollars into a solution — there is still no cure.
That’s not surprising, though, since researchers still don’t really know what causes it.
That’s why ANYTHING that can give you a leg up against this disease is something to pay attention to.
In this case, they’ve identified a risk factor that impacts a large percentage of older adults.
Find out if you’re one of them.
Numerous studies have found a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
But for this study, researchers wanted to see if there was a connection between dementia and another dental issue: tooth loss.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies that followed 34,000 individuals.
They found that tooth loss was associated with a
- 48 times greater risk of dementia
- 28 times greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Each additional lost tooth was associated with a 1.1 percent greater risk of dementia and a 1.4 percent greater risk of cognitive decline.
This is the equivalent of a dose-dependent relationship. In other words, the greater number of lost teeth, the greater the risk of dementia.
It doesn’t establish cause and effect, but it does but it does make the connection stronger.
Certain oral bacteria have long been associated with poor cognitive function and increased risk of dementia.
Pathogenic bacteria like P. gingivalis produce endotoxins that promote the beta amyloid plaques associated with Alzhei and stimulate neuroinflammation—which are key pathological changes that contribute to dementia.
But the study also found that wearing dentures significantly reduced the association.
This could indicate that nutritional intake changes when you don’t have teeth, which means the nutrients you’re consuming could be the factor here.
Either way, nutrition plays a role because it’s a key factor in both your overall health and in your oral health.
The best way to promote good oral health is by making a few simple changes to your diet:
- Cut out sugar because it feeds bacteria.
- Avoid processed foods, which promote the growth of bacteria, and hydrogenated oils, which are highly inflammatory.
- Eat whole, organic food.
- For additional protection, try xylitol chewing gum, which prevents bacteria from building up.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser
P.S. Read about the food that UPS your risk of dementia – just click here for all of the must-know information.
