Investigating the Relationship Between Periodontitis and Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by gradual neurological impairment and a decline in cognitive functions. The disease's primary mechanism is thought to occur through neuroinflammatory damage. Periodontal diseases include a wide variety of inflammatory conditions affecting the main supporting structures of the teeth (bone, periodontal ligament and gingiva), which can lead to tooth loss and contribute to systemic inflammation. Inflammation is known to play a pivotal role in the process of periodontal disease and serves as a connecting link between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. The link between the two has been explored by a large number of studies; however, more evidence is required to demonstrate any causal relationship between the two diseases. Here, we will review the possible enigmatic link between Alzheimer's disease and periodontitis. This project will then extend the existing research to determine the presence of oral bacteria in the post-mortem brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients and investigate potential lesions in the brains of an experimentally-induced mouse model of periodontal disease.