As reported by the National Post at http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/08/21/good-oral-health-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-dementia/, in a study led by Annlia Paganini-Hill, at the University of California, people who maintain good oral health with regular brushing may have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers, who followed close to 5,500 elderly people over an 18-year period, found those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily.
The new findings, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (Volume 60, Issue 8, pages 1556-1563, August 2012) in an article titled a�?Dentition, Dental Health Habits, and Dementia: The Leisure World Cohort Studya�?, cannot prove that poor dental health can cause dementia. However, neglecting onea��s teeth might be an early sign of vulnerability to dementia, for instance, or some other factor could be influencing both conditions.
a�?Ita��s nice if this relationship holds true as therea��s something people can do (to reduce their chances of developing dementia),a�? said Paganini-Hill. a�?First, practice good oral health habits to prevent tooth loss and oral diseases. And second, if you do lose your teeth, wear dentures.a�?
Very interesting research.
