Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease and oral health: what we know so far
Internal Medicine, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, Wrocław, Poland
Internal Medicine, Lower Silesian Center for Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology, Wrocław, Poland
Nursing Problems 2026; 34 (1): 1-7
Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) has been increasingly associated with poor oral health,
including periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral dysbiosis. This
review summarizes current evidence linking oral health and AD, with
an emphasis on oral pathogens, systemic inflammation, and cognitive
decline. A literature review conducted up to June 30, 2025,
identified 20 eligible studies. Individuals with AD consistently
showed oral dysbiosis, characterized by increased levels of
Porphyromonas gingivalis,
Fusobacterium nucleatum,
and Tannerella forsythia,
and decreased levels of commensals such as Streptococcus
and Rothia. Periodontitis and tooth loss were independently
associated with greater AD risk. A large cohort study of over 32.6
million individuals reported more than a twofold increased AD
risk among those with poor oral health. These findings support the
potential role of oral hygiene as a modifiable and
cost-effective preventive strategy against AD.
Keywords
periodontitis, oral health, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline
Integrated with
