Tooth Loss May Be Linked to Memory Loss

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.

Participants with symptoms of memory loss tended to report that they had visited the dentist rarely.

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. The loss of sensory receptors around the teeth is linked to some of the dying neurons.

By Robert Preidt

SOURCE: BioMed Central, news release, Dec. 31, 2010