Tooth Loss May Be Linked to Memory Loss
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Jan 4, 11:48 pm ET

TUESDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Elderly people who lose their
teeth may be at increased risk for dementia, researchers have found.
The new study included more than 4,000 Japanese participants, 65 and
older, who underwent a dental examination and a psychiatric
assessment. Compared with participants who still had many of their
natural teeth, those with fewer or no teeth were much more likely to
have experienced some memory loss or have early-stage Alzheimer's
disease.

The findings were published online Dec. 31 in Behavi{*filter*}and Brain
Functions.

Participants with symptoms of memory loss tended to report that they
had visited the dentist rarely, if at all. Dr. Nozomi Okamoto, the
study's principal investigator, said that this may be one explanation
for the study's findings but suggested that there may be other links
between tooth loss and memory problems.

"Infections in the gums that can lead to tooth loss may release
inflammatory substances, which in turn will enhance the brain
inflammation that cause neuronal death and hasten memory loss," she
said in a news release from the journal's publisher. "The loss of
sensory receptors around the teeth is linked to some of the dying
neurons."

This may lead to a vicious cycle, Okamoto explained. The loss of these
brain connections can cause more teeth to fall out, further
contributing to cognitive decline.

More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has
more about dementia.