Poor periodontal health linked to risk of dementia: study

HELSINKI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Poor periodontal health and tooth loss appear to increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland.

In a press release issued on Monday, the university said that as the aging population increases, the disease burden caused by memory disorders is expected to surge. With no widely available disease-modifying drugs, prevention of cognitive decline and dementia by targeting modifiable factors, such as lifestyle choices, is critically important.