Poor Oral Health In Childhood May Increase Heart Disease Risk In Adulthood

Reuters reports in continuing coverage that research suggests kids “who develop cavities and gum disease may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart attacks and strokes decades later than kids who have good oral health.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open. Medscape reports the study authors …

New Research Strengthens Association Between Gum Disease, Alzheimer’s

Noting that a study published earlier in the year in Science Advances found Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, New Atlas reports researchers have “followed this line of investigation further,” exploring “the relationship between Pg and Alzheimer’s by examining brain samples of deceased subjects, both …

Periodontitis May Increase Risk Of Developing Dementia

Forbes contributor Robert Glatter, MD, states that “researchers in South Korea studied the relationship between chronic periodontitis and dementia over a 10 year period,” finding those with “chronic periodontitis had a 6% higher risk for dementia compared to those without periodontitis,” even “after controlling for behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol, …

Americans Spent $1.4B Last Year On Unhealthy Fruit Drinks For Kids

CNN (10/16, LaMotte) states a new report found that “Americans spent $1.4 billion on the most popular brands of children’s fruit drinks and flavored waters last year,” but “according to nutritional guidelines, none of the drinks were healthy.” The report from the University of Connecticut’s Rudd Center for Food Policy …

Sugary Drink Consumption May Be Associated With Higher Cancer Risk

The New York Times (7/10, Bakalar) reports that research “suggests there may be a link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices and the development of cancer.” In the study, which “involved 101,257 people,” compared “with the lowest one-quarter for sugary drink consumption, the highest one-quarter had a …

Gum Disease May Play Role In Alzheimer’s Development, Researchers Suggest

The Telegraph (UK) reports that “gum disease may play a pivotal role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, scientists believe.” According to the article, “Researchers said they now had ‘solid evidence’ that the bacteria which causes periodontitis produces an enzyme which destroys neurons leading to memory loss.” The article says that …

No Evidence No-Calorie Sweeteners Have Health Benefits, Improve Weight Loss

HealthDay reports that in a new study published in the BMJ, researchers assessing the potential benefits of no-calorie sweeteners concluded there is “very weak evidence” the sugar alternatives may improve health or assist in weight loss. Researchers said, “Most health outcomes did not seem to have differences between the non-sugar sweetener exposed …