Dental Health and Dementia

What do teeth have to do with Alzheimer’s and dementia? Studies have linked dental health to lower dementia rates. People who have more of their own teeth tend to have lower rates of dementia.

The Link Between Teeth and Dementia

In an article called “Tooth Loss and the Risk of Dementia in the Community: The Hisayama Study” published by the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, researchers found an inverse relationship between the number of remaining teeth and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Tooth loss was associated with significantly increased rates of dementia among study participants.

Maintain Dental Health

This information about the importance of dental health highlights the importance of dental care and treatment. Good oral hygiene as well as regular visits with a dentist are key elements that help maintain the health of teeth. Lifelong care is ideal.

Taking Care of the Brain

There are certain risk factors for dementia that cannot be changed, including age and genetics. However, many people are interested in reducing their risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. What can you do to take care of your brain?

In addition to maintaining dental health, there are other actions that may help ward off cognitive dysfunction. They include the following:

• Focusing on heart health – Actions that contribute to cardiovascular health are also good for your brain. How? By promoting good circulation of blood and oxygen, your heart and blood vessels feed your brain cells. Managing your blood pressure, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping cholesterol in check will help your heart and your brain.
• Exercising regularly – When you exercise, blood flow and oxygen to the brain is increased. This is beneficial to your brain and may help defend against cognitive decline.
• Eating a healthy diet – Your eating habits affect your mind. It has been established that a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, may protect the brain. This diet includes relatively little red meat while emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil.

Parc Provence is the Leader in Memory Care

While researchers learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, people continue to be diagnosed with cognitive disorders every day. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with memory loss, Parc Provence may be able to help. We offer compassionate, residential care for seniors in a home-like setting. Our small households provide opportunities for residents to engage and thrive while benefitting from innovative, effective therapies that maximize potential. We invite you to contact Parc Provence today to schedule a tour of our community. Find out why residents and families choose our Person-Centered Care model and feel at home here.