When memory scores start to decline, and confusion sets in, we are told to exercise more, follow the Mediterranean diet, join a club, and do puzzles. In other words, there are no medical treatments for this condition.
But, encouragingly, studies are showing those with good oral health (no bleeding gums, no ongoing dental decay) are better able to arrest memory decline. Likewise, it is now evident that oral inflammation is significantly predictive of cognitive decline.
One oral bacteria is highly implicated in dementia (Figure 1). It is found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients where it is believed to trigger inflammation. Studies in mice show infecting the animal with this bacteria, leads to impaired learning and memory problems. Human clinical trials of new drugs to treat this bacteria are underway.
But today, chronic oral inflammation and its associated bacteria can be managed effectively and painlessly with a topical antiseptic medication applied by a hygienist quickly along the gum line.
The hygienists at a Hamilton clinic have years of observing inflamed gums turning pink and healthy after using this medication. In fact, two patients on this treatment have markedly improved their cognitive abilities for several years.
Warding off or slowing dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease require changes to your lifestyle and it now increasingly appears to also require you managing bacteria in your mouth.
For more information on improving your oral health, call Julie at Gleam:
678 Upper James Street, Hamilton
Tel: (905)-387-6453