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MEDTECH Could a dentist become the first line of defense against Alzheimer’s disease?
Understanding the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease could unlock new preventive strategies for cognitive decline, with dentists potentially playing a crucial role in early intervention.
Key Points:
- Gum disease has been associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) playing a significant role in neuroinflammation.
- Nearly half of adults above 30 and 70 percent of those 65 and older have gum disease, making it a critical modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
- P. gingivalis can produce gingipains, toxic enzymes causing gum inflammation and negatively impacting the tau protein, which is crucial for normal neuronal function.
- Evidence shows P. gingivalis DNA and gingipain in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
- Blocking the neurotoxicity of P. gingivalis through inhibitors in animal studies has resulted in reduced neuroinflammation and rescued neurons in the hippocampus.
Additional Points:
- Despite established links between Alzheimer’s and P. gingivalis, gum disease as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s is often overlooked.
- Cortexyme Inc. conducted human trials for a gingipain inhibitor (atuzaginstat) but it was put on hold due to liver toxicity concerns.
- Dental health as a topic is being considered for the next update of The Lancet‘s commission on dementia prevention.
- Coverage of dental care is limited, causing a gap in the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
Conclusion:
- There is an emerging focus on the role of dental health and gum disease in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Dentists can potentially be a frontline defense against Alzheimer’s, but this depends on greater awareness of this connection and improved dental care coverage.
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“It was shocking to me that we’re not including gum disease as a risk factor. To me, it should be number one. We have a causal link now. If you can prevent gingipain from getting to the brain, then you’re in good shape.”
Dr. Mark Burhenne
