World Alzheimer's Day

 Don't forget that oral health also matters in preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Recent evidence suggests a possible connection between periodontitis, a gum disease, and some neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's.

It is essential to highlight the collaboration between dentists and neurologists, as this collaboration can promote preventive strategies and improve treatments related to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. This collaboration is especially relevant on World Alzheimer's Day, September 21.

It is essential that neurologists play a crucial role in identifying patients with signs of periodontal disease and can refer them to dentists for evaluation and, if necessary, receive appropriate dental treatment. Neurologists should be aware that periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis, may increase the risk of certain types of dementia and stroke. Therefore, they must include oral health care and screening recommendations in their general health advice to patients. This can significantly prevent and adequately treat oral conditions related to neurological problems.

Dentists need to be aware of the relationship between periodontitis and an increased risk of diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease. During dental consultations, it is essential to identify patients with vascular risk factors, such as hypertension or diabetes, that may be related to neurological problems.

In dental clinics, many people are seen who also have neurological diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain constant and collaborative communication with neurologists and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible treatment for these patients. This involves management tailored to each patient's individual needs, thus ensuring their general and oral well-being.

Not only does periodontitis increase the risk of ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's dementia, but it is also believed that different oral health interventions can reduce the risk of these neurological disorders.