Source: ProMed
Kamer et al reviewed the role of inflammation related to chronic periodontitis and its effect on Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the article does not report results of an original study, the authors propose possible ways in which chronic periodontitis can contribute to clinical onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors identify chornic periodontitis as a possible risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease which is able to be modified because it is a treatable infection. For additional information on this article, please reference the full citation: Kamer AR, Craig RG, Dasanayake AP, Brys M, Glodzik-Sobanska L, de Leon MJ. Inflammation and Alzheimer's disease: possible role of periodontal diseases. Alzheimers Dement. 2008;4:242-250
The results of a pilot trial were reported by Madden and colleagues, who studied 42 patients with type 2 diabetes with hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c) levels between 7% and 9% (mild elevation) and above 9% (severe elevation).
The patients were randomized to two groups of treatment as follows: MT – minimal therapy which consisted of scaling, root planing, and oral hygiene instructions twice on an every 6 month basis; and FT – frequent therapy which consisted of scaling, root planing, and oral hygiene instructions every 2 months with provision of 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse for at-home use twice a day. The results of the pilot study showed modest improvements in HgA1c levels in patients who received FT therapy compared to patients receiving MT therapy. The authors concluded additional studies need to be conducted, but it is important that patients with diabetes have periodontal care closely coordinated with diabetic clinical treatment, and receive intense and sustained preventive periodontal regimens for elimination of periodontal inflammation. For additional information on the data related to this pilot trial, please reference the full citation: Madden TE, Herriges B, Boyd LD, Laughlin G, Chiodo G, Rosenstein D. Alterations in HbA1c following minimal or enhanced non-surgical, non-antibiotic treatment of gingivitis or mild periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients: a pilot trial. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2008;9:9-16
A supplement published in the August edition of the Journal of Periodontology was authored by Thomas E. Van Dyke and Kenneth S. Kornman.
The supplement reviewed the role of inflammation in periodontal disease and its relation systemically, as well as factors which regulate the inflammatory response. Many of the papers included in the supplement relate the topics recently discussed and reviewed in detail at a conference in Boston, which was convened to review the most recent evidence relating to inflammation. The article focuses on the inflammatory response of the immune system, and discussions related to atherogenesis and inflammation, metabolic disorders and inflammation, and inflammatory markers. The authors concluded additional research is needed to determine how advanced knowledge of inflammation can help diagnose or treat conditions or late-stage sequelae related to systemic diseases and inflammation. To view the entire supplement in depth, it is available at http://www.joponline.org/doi/pdf/10.1902/jop.2008.080239.
August 22, 2008.