Association between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease and its impact on the self-perceived oral health status: a case-control study

To test the hypothesis that periodontitis is associated with AD and search whether periodontal and other variables would negatively impact the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) perception. Oral examinations and interview on self-perceived oral health status (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire (higher score corresponds to better perceived oral status)) were carried out and socio-demographic data were collected from outpatients with mild to moderate AD (cases, n = 50) and from their age- and sex-matched family caregivers (controls, n = 52). Full-mouth periodontal examination was performed. Significance of differences between groups was sought by chi-square, Student’s t, or the Mann-Whitney test. The association between the variables periodontitis, probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm, and clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥ 5 mm with the variable group was tested in binary logistic regression models (LRMs). LRMs were used to test the association of oral findings, demographics, and group with GOHAI. Cases had fewer teeth and greater CAL than controls. Cases had a superior percentage of sites with plaque, calculus, and bleeding on probing than controls. Cases had greater GOHAI scores than controls. Periodontitis was a variable most likely associated with AD (OR = 11.08, p < 0.001). None of the oral findings or demographics, but group, was associated with GOHAI (OR = 14.45, p < 0.001). Periodontitis is associated with AD, but not with patients’ OHRQoL. Health care professionals must be aware that AD patients should have a periodic thorough oral examination and preventive intervention aiming at their welfare and maintenance of a pain-free functional dentition.