Can treating gum disease help prevent dementia?

Yes, research suggests treating gum disease, among other peripheral conditions, could significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.

What peripheral diseases are linked to higher dementia risk?

Peripheral diseases linked to higher dementia risk include gum disease, chronic liver disease, hearing and vision loss, and type 2 diabetes.

How many dementia cases could be prevented by treating peripheral diseases?

It is estimated that treating these peripheral diseases could prevent approximately one-third of all dementia cases globally.

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Treat Gum Disease, Cut Dementia Risk by a Third

5 Feb

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Summary

Treating 16 peripheral diseases could prevent a third of dementia cases.
Gum disease, diabetes, and liver issues pose the highest risk.
Peripheral health is crucial for brain health and dementia prevention.

Treat Gum Disease, Cut Dementia Risk by a Third

Treating common diseases not directly affecting the brain, such as gum disease and diabetes, could potentially reduce dementia cases by about a third. Chinese researchers have identified 16 peripheral diseases, including gum, liver, and heart conditions, as well as type 2 diabetes and COPD, that are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. These findings build upon earlier knowledge linking hearing and vision loss to Alzheimer's disease.

The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, analyzed data from over 200 research studies. It found that 16 of 26 diseases examined were linked to a higher risk of dementia, accounting for an estimated 18.8 million cases globally. Gum disease, chronic liver disease, hearing and vision loss, and type 2 diabetes were highlighted as carrying the highest risks. While causality is not yet proven, early treatment of these conditions could prevent many dementia cases.