{"id":191,"date":"2019-02-28T17:48:35","date_gmt":"2019-02-28T17:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prestonbenddental.com\/blog\/?p=191"},"modified":"2019-12-26T19:21:19","modified_gmt":"2019-12-26T19:21:19","slug":"cause-of-alzheimers-in-plano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prestonbenddental.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/28\/cause-of-alzheimers-in-plano\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Gum Disease a Cause of Alzheimer\u2019s?"},"content":{"rendered":"\"brainEveryone knows that what happens in your mind can come out of your mouth, but did you know that it\u2019s a two-way street? What happens in your mouth can affect your mind \u2014 specifically, gum disease may have a profound impact on your long-term mental health. Recent, groundbreaking research<\/a> has discovered that periodontal (gum) disease may actually be a cause of Alzheimer\u2019s in Plano. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the science. Once you understand it, you\u2019ll likely be more motivated than ever to maintain a clean, healthy smile!\n\n\n

P. Gingivalis <\/em>and Alzheimer\u2019s<\/h2>\nP. gingivalis <\/em>is the main type of bacteria involved in gum disease. However, it does not stay in the mouth indefinitely. It can slip into the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, including the brain. Studies have shown that mice that were genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer\u2019s experienced worsened symptoms when P. gingivalis<\/em> entered their brain tissue. In healthy mice, the bacteria led to Alzheimer\u2019s-like brain inflammation and neural damage.\n\nResearch on human brains has added weight to the idea that P. gingivalis <\/em>may do more than simply contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s; it may actually cause <\/em>the disease. When researchers examined brain samples from individuals without Alzheimer\u2019s, they found P. gingivalis <\/em>along with accumulations of the tau and amyloid proteins. These proteins, when they clump together, cause the brain damage and cognitive decline that is associated with Alzheimer\u2019s. Because the protein clumps can exist in the brain for years before any symptoms present themselves, the research indicates that P. gingivalis <\/em>could be responsible for Alzheimer\u2019s.\n

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Mind<\/h2>\nOf course, Alzheimer\u2019s research is still a long way away from gaining a full understanding of the disease and its causes. In the meantime, however, the abovementioned research underscores the fact that everyone should make a diligent effort to fight gum disease. Here are a few tips to help you protect your oral health:\n