Diabetes and Tooth Loss Linked to Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline.A recent study suggests that diabetes and tooth loss may increase the likelihood of cognitive decline among older adults. Those with both DM and full tooth loss had a higher rate of cognitive decline than their counterparts without either condition.
According to Xiu-Ming Wu, PhD and researcher at NYU’s Rory Myers College of Nursing, “we know that poor oral health, diabetes and cognitive decline are closely connected.” Now researchers are beginning to uncover how these conditions may interact and exacerbate one another.”
Tooth Loss
Tooth loss has been linked to numerous diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. It could also be an indication of poor oral hygiene practices so it’s essential to keep your teeth healthy.
Recent research from New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing has demonstrated a correlation between tooth loss and cognitive decline. Their analysis, published in JAMDA: Journal of Post Acute and Long Term Care Medicine, provided evidence to support this connection.
They conducted a meta-analysis that included longitudinal studies. They discovered that older adults with diabetes and tooth loss experienced an accelerated rate of cognitive decline over time.
High Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, is a common issue for those living with diabetes; however, it can also impact those without the condition due to inadequate insulin production or improper utilization.
If you have high blood sugar, your doctor may suggest making changes to your eating and exercise habits. This could include carbohydrate counting, increasing fiber consumption, and decreasing sugar consumption.
A study of the UK Biobank reveals that people with higher than normal blood sugar levels are more likely to experience cognitive decline over time and develop vascular dementia. This association held true even after other factors like age, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), and whether participants had cardiovascular disease were taken into account.
Controlling blood glucose at an early stage of diabetes can help protect cognitive decline, though this isn’t a guaranteed solution.
Gum Disease
Scientists from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) recently observed that individuals with diabetes and complete tooth loss experienced faster cognitive decline than those without either condition. Furthermore, older adults who both had diabetes and complete tooth loss showed the fastest rate of cognitive deterioration over time.
Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacteria linked to gum disease, can travel from the mouth into the brain where it releases enzymes which destroy nerve cells.
These bacteria have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, they increase the body’s inflammatory response – potentially leading to other health issues like Alzheimer’s disease.
Smoking
Smoking is a method of drug consumption in which tobacco leaves are rolled into small cylindrical shapes and placed into an inhalation device such as a pipe or other. As these vapors pass into your bloodstream, they can enter into various health problems.
Smoking not only increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, but it can also raise other illnesses as well. These include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels (which raises the likelihood of heart attack or stroke), gum disease, as well as certain types of cancer.
A recent study suggests that smokers with diabetes or hypertension, both known to negatively impact brain function, may be especially at risk for cognitive decline. According to the researchers, people who were both smokers and had either of these conditions scored “significantly worse” on a cognitive test than nonsmokers.