A periodontite como fator inflamatório para o desenvolvimento da doença de alzheimer: revisão de literatura

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) occurs due to a series of brain changes such as the buildup of beta amyloid protein forming senile or neuritic plaques as described by the amyloid hypothesis, the one most accepted on the scientific community to explain AD pathogenesis and the appearing of neurofibrillary tangles. Both changes are associated with neurodegeneration which affects brain areas important for memory. Neuroinflammation has been studied in the last decade and microglia is pointed as the main nerve cell involved and it is chronically activated in response to alterations due to AD pathogenesis. Inflammatory cytokines released by the microglia stimulate the production of beta amyloid, causing a bigger buildup of senile plaques. It is believed that inflammatory cytokines arising from periodontitis that overcome the blood brain barrier could stimulate the microglia, aggravating the neuroinflammation and consequently increasing neurodegeneration. The aim goal of this study was to make a survey of scientific literature of the relationship between periodontitis and AD. This is a narrative review made with scientific articles researched on electronic database Bireme, PubMed and SciElo, using the associated keywords: Alzheimer`s disease and periodontitis, being included 11 relevant articles published on the last 10 years. It was observed through epidemiologic, in animals and control cases studies that the possibility of periodontitis contribute to the development of AD exists. Therefore, the dentist has the important role of prevent periodontal diseases as a way to contribute to prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.