Despite the lack of evidence for a causative role, associations between cognitive decline and gum disease have continued to be established. In another more recent study, published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy in August 2017 - where more than 25,000 people aged 50 or older participated - researchers found that people who have suffered from gum disease for 10 years or longer are 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Like other lifestyle-related risk factors associated to Alzheimer's, gum disease is highly preventable. Besides from the obvious dental hygiene habits like brushing teeth and the tongue after every meal to remove food and plaque, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash, there are also dietary measures that can be put in place to offer extra support.

For example, research shows that there is a strong association between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. This may be due to the fact that increased levels of glucose in the blood, due to insulin resistance, can favour the growth of certain species of bacteria such as P.gingivalis. In addition, diabetes can lead to a malfunctioning of the immune system, which leads to a decrease in antibody function and therefore more opportunity for bacterial infection.

On that basis, it is therefore essential to avoid sugar, in all its forms, including the seemingly ‘natural’ alternatives to regular cane sugar, as well as focusing on a diet that helps to stabilise blood sugar levels.