Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are a group of diseases that result in the gradual loss of brain function affecting both physical and mental performance. Neuroinflammation is a component of both conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative form of dementia with unknown aetiology. The disease is characterised by neuronal loss and senile plaque formation in the brain. Some of the risk factors are ageing, family history and stress. One of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be the neuroinflammation.

Parkinson’s disease, with gradual degeneration of neurons, will result in movement disorders, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms and in the later stages, dementia.

Current research into the possible associations between neurodegenerative diseases and periodontal disease suggests that the systemic inflammation associated with both conditions could be linked in some way.

Periodontal treatment and good oral hygiene are a benefit for all patients since it reduces the preventable burden of the systemic inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

Singhrao and Olsen 2019, Ranjan et al.2018, Ganesh et al. 2017, Teixeira et al. 2017, Kaur et al. 2016