Older adults with gum disease have more signs of brain white matter damage than those with good periodontal health. The corresponding study was published in Neurology Open Access.
"While more research is needed to understand this relationship, these findings add to growing evidence that keeping your mouth healthy may support a healthier brain,” said study author Souvik Sen, MD, of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, in a press release.
White matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, and lacunar infarcts are radiographic markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a condition linked to a higher risk of stroke and cognitive decline. Previous research suggests that periodontal disease may be linked to vascular pathology and contribute to CSVD.
In the current study, researchers examined the link between periodontal disease and MRI-verified CSVD features: white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, and lacunar infarcts.
To do so, they examined data from over 1,143 adults with an average age of 77 years old. Data included periodontal assessments and brain MRI scans. Of the participants, 800 had gum disease, while 343 didn’t.
Ultimately, those with gum disease had a higher volume of white matter hyperintensities- 2.83% of total brain volume- compared to 2.52% among those without gum disease.
The researchers also grouped participants according to hyperintensity volume. Those in the highest group had hyperintensities exceeding 21.36 cubic centimeters (cm³), whereas hyperintensities in the lowest group were under 6.41cm³. Altogether, 28% of people with gum disease and 19% of those without were in the highest group.
After adjusting for multiple factors, the researchers found that those with gum disease were 56% more likely to be in the group with the most white matter damage. No connection was found between gum disease and cerebral microbleeds or lacunar infarcts.
"Gum disease is preventable and treatable. If future studies confirm this link, it could offer a new avenue for reducing cerebral small vessel disease by targeting oral inflammation. For now, it underscores how dental care may support long-term brain health,” said Sen.
Sources: Neurology Open Access, Science Daily
