We now know that pathogenic oral bacteria, called Spirochetes, may cause Alzheimer’s Disease.
Spirochetes form fiberlike lesions in the brain and their numbers progressively increase in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s Disease. Spirochetes escape destruction of the host’s immune response and create chronic infection and inflammation in the body.
Periodontal Disease is a chronic infection resulting from the interaction between the natural human host response and pathogenic bacteria, like spirochetes. This interaction leads to localized (in the gums) and systemic (throughout the body) inflammation. Periodontal Disease may contribute to already elevated brain inflammatory molecules, thereby increasing risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
FACT: Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.
