Periodontitis as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Dementia: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study

Abstract

Periodontitis is associated with greater risk of developing dementia. Periodontal infection is treatable, so it might be a modifiable risk factor for dementia. Clinicians must devote greater attention to this potential association in an effort to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies for dementia.

Longitudinal evaluation of periodontitis and development of cognitive decline among older adults

“…These results are consistent with our findings. Our results are also consistent with the ones reported by Lee and co‐workers (Lee et al., ) demonstrating that individuals with periodontitis had a higher risk of developing dementia.…”

“…In a retrospective case–control study, a modest higher risk for dementia was reported among individuals with periodontitis after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities (Lee et al., ). In a 3‐year follow‐up study, a twofold higher risk for cognitive decline was reported for individuals with severe periodontitis compared to individuals without periodontitis (Iwasaki et al., ).…”

Periodontitis, periodontal inflammation, and mild cognitive impairment: A 5‐year cohort study

“…Our findings are in agreement with recent findings from epidemiological studies reporting a significant association between periodontitis and cognitive impairment, although very few of these studies involved detailed clinical evaluations of periodontal status. One strength of the current study is that we used data from full‐mouth assessments of periodontal status involving examinations of six sites on all teeth, allowing us to define periodontitis by two commonly used case definitions as well as calculate PISA.…”

“…A putative link between periodontitis and cognitive impairment/dementia has been reported . There are several possible underlying mechanisms for this association.…”

Periodontitis and dental scaling associated with pyogenic liver abscess: A population‐based case‐control study

“…Increased risk among patients with periodontitis of cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, dementia, Alzheimer's disease progression, osteoporosis, periprosthetic infection and gastric infection have been previously reported. In addition, periodontitis has also been reported to affect several liver diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and even liver transplantation .…”