Oral health status and periodontitis in Alzheimer's disease patients: A case control Study in a Sicilian rural community

Aim. Dementia is a common disorder among the elderly. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. In addition to known risk factors (e.g. age and familiarity) of AD, recently it has been suggested a possible promoting role for chronic inflammatory infective diseases. Periodontal disease (PD) is a frequent chronic multi-bacterial infection involving the tissues supporting the teeth; in addition to promoting inflammation locally, the periodontal pathogens possess mechanisms able to influence the systemic balance of inflammatory mediators. Similarly to other systemic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal diseases and low birth weight), a possible link has be…