Alzheimer's disease and peripheral infections: the possible contribution from periodontal infections, model and hypothesis.

Publication Type	Review
Authors	Kamer A, Dasanayake A, Craig R, Glodzik-Sobanska L, Bry M, de Leon M
Journal	J Alzheimers Dis
Volume	13
Issue	4
Pagination	437-49
Date Published	05/01/2008
ISSN	1387-2877
Keywords	Alzheimer Disease, Bacterial Infections, Periodontal Diseases
Abstract	Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. and this number will increase as the population ages and the life-span increases. Therefore, of paramount importance is identifying mechanisms and factors that affect the risk of developing AD. The etiology and pathogenic mechanisms for AD have not been defined, although inflammation within the brain is thought to play a role. Consistent with this hypothesis, studies suggest that peripheral infections contribute to the inflammatory state of the central nervous system. Periodontitis is a prevalent, persistent peripheral infection associated with gram negative, anaerobic bacteria that are capable of exhibiting localized and systemic infections in the host. This review offers a hypothetical link between periodontitis and AD and will present possible mechanistic links between periodontitis related inflammation and AD. It will review the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the mechanisms by which periodontal infections may affect the onset and progression of AD. Since periodontitis is a treatable condition, it may be a readily modifiable risk factor for AD.
DOI	10.3233/jad-2008-13408
PubMed ID	18487851