How Oral Hygiene Impacts Alzheimer's Disease - The Hidden Link

Bringing Hope to Alzheimer's

Is there a link between oral health and Alzheimer's Disease? Today we dive deep into the often-overlooked connection between oral health and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In this discussion, our guest, Anna DeLuca, a registered dental hygienist with extensive experience at Gillihan Periodontics in Independence, Missouri, shares her professional insights and the latest research linking periodontal health to brain health.
Throughout the episode, Anna emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a preventative measure against the progression of Alzheimer's. She explains how periodontal disease—an irreversible condition marked by bacterial accumulation leading to bone loss—can significantly impact overall health, including cognitive functions.
With a Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge, discussing how poor oral health can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's by allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially breach the blood-brain barrier, thereby triggering inflammatory processes that are detrimental to brain cells.
This conversation is not only a call to action for better oral care but also a broader discussion on the lifestyle factors that contribute to both oral and brain health. Anna provides practical advice on improving oral hygiene routines and stresses the importance of regular dental check-ups to prevent the onset of diseases that could influence cognitive decline.
"Bringing Hope to Alzheimer's" aims to educate and inspire listeners by connecting the dots between dental health and neurodegenerative diseases, underlining the fact that our mouths are not isolated from the rest of our bodies but are integral to our overall health and wellbeing.
Whether you are a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in preventive health, this episode offers crucial insights and actionable tips to help safeguard your health and the health of your loved ones against Alzheimer's and dementia through better oral care.
Tune in to learn more about how you can integrate effective oral hygiene practices into your daily routine to improve your overall health and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Anne Fraser faced immense challenges as the primary caregiver for both of her parents. Tragically, both parents passed away from these debilitating diseases. Later, Anne herself was diagnosed with cognitive decline, a known precursor to Alzheimer's and dementia.
With her tenacity and knowledge, Anne embarked on a journey to reverse her cognitive decline back to 100% cognition. By seeking medical assistance and implementing crucial lifestyle changes, she successfully achieved her goal.
In addition to her experience in caregiving and cognitive health, Anne is also an accomplished entrepreneur. Together with her husband Mark, Anne owns and operates The Fraser Team, a renowned real estate agency powered by The Rob Ellerman Team and ReeceNichols. As one of the top real estate teams in Kansas City, Anne and Mark have a proven track record of excellence, helping countless clients achieve their dream of homeownership.

Support the Show.