The Surprising Connection: Lyme Disease, Dementia, and Gingivitis

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Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by the bite of infected black-legged ticks. While it is commonly known for causing symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and a bull’s-eye rash, new research has found a link between Lyme disease and various neurocognitive diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are both conditions that affect the brain and cause memory loss, confusion, and changes in mood and behavior. Recent studies have found that some patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia actually have Lyme disease that has gone undiagnosed for years. In some cases, treating the Lyme disease can result in improvement or even reversal of the neurocognitive symptoms.

It is important to note that not all cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s are related to Lyme disease, and more research is needed to fully understand the connection between these conditions. However, it is crucial for healthcare providers to consider Lyme disease as a potential underlying cause of neurocognitive symptoms, especially in patients who have a history of tick bites or exposure to endemic areas.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dementia, Alzheimer’s, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to its link to Lyme disease, gingivitis has also been shown to be a risk factor for developing dementia. Studies have found that individuals with gum disease have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia compared to those without gum disease. The underlying mechanism for this link is not yet fully understood, but it is thought that inflammation and the presence of oral bacteria, which are both associated with gum disease, may contribute to the development of neurocognitive diseases. Treating the whole body for infections and treating for Lyme could help heal your brain. 

Maintaining good oral health, including regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings, may help reduce the risk of developing both gum disease and neurocognitive diseases. It is also important to be vigilant about any symptoms of gingivitis, as prompt treatment can help prevent it from becoming a more serious condition and potentially reducing the risk of developing dementa.

Improving my oral health was a crucial step in resolving my cognitive problems. I underwent cavitation surgery and had my mercury fillings removed, and also made significant improvements to my oral hygiene regimen. This helped me get my brain function back on track.

Noticing a decline in brain function can be alarming, but there are ways to improve brain health and even reverse the damage and inflammation. Taking proactive steps can bring peace of mind and help you get back on track.  

If you would like to know more about how to help reverse, or even prevent these issues, please contact me for a free Discovery Call.  See if how I work could be a good fit for you.  email me at heather@renegadehealthboss.com 

And check out some of my past blogs on this subject. https://renegadehealthboss.com/how-does-lyme-effect-the-brain/

Check out my podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lymebossheathergray

Kamer, A. R., Kriegel, M. A., & Esposito, M. (2013). The oral microbiome and cognitive decline: a systematic review. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, 37(4), 637-646.

This study reviews the existing literature on the relationship between oral health and cognitive decline, including the connection between gingivitis and dementia. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this area and highlights the need for further research to better understand the link between these conditions