The international team of scientists received $ 1.3 million from the US National Institute to study the effect of the oral cavity on human memory.

Previously, scientists have already identified a clear link between oral health and heart disease, strokes, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known about the state of teeth and gums affecting a person's mental health, the author of the new study Richard Crout.

Last year, scientists reported on their observation, the essence of which is that, the worse the state of the mouth of a person in old age, the worse it functions brain. The study, which is still ongoing, included 273 patients from West Virginia who underwent brain function tests, a dental checkup, and blood tests for detecting proteins associated with cognitive impairment.

In the new study, scientists plan to use the information already collected and further study the relationship between oral health and cognitive functions. A larger amount of data will allow them to take into account factors that can affect both oral health and mental health.

Researchers hope that they will be able to get more evidence in favor of the theory that oral health can be useful for normal cognitive functions. A new study may also help develop strategies to strengthen cognitive functions by improving the condition of the oral cavity, experts say..

Medicinform. Net.