Gum disease has been linked to a greater rate in cognitive decline, a study following people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease has found.

Researchers at University of Southampton and King’s College London watched 59 participants over six months. While some of the correlation may be related to a reduced ability to perform good oral hygiene, researchers said they theorize active gum disease results in higher body-wide levels of inflammatory molecules linked to both cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. 

Full findings appear in PLOS ONE