Periodontitis: a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease

Br Dent J. 2015 Jan;218(1):29-34. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.1137.

Abstract

The role of periodontitis as a risk factor for multiple systemic diseases is widely accepted and there is growing evidence of an association between periodontitis and sporadic late onset Alzheimer's disease (SLOAD). Recent epidemiologic, microbiologic and inflammatory findings strengthen this association, indicating that periodontal pathogens are possible contributors to neural inflammation and SLOAD. The aim of this article is to present contemporary evidence of this association.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Periodontitis / complications*
  • Periodontitis / epidemiology
  • Periodontitis / microbiology
  • Risk Factors