Understanding the Connection Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer's
A Longitudinal Study of Periodontal Infections and Alzheimer's Disease: The WHICAP Ancillary Study of Oral Health
This research explores if gum disease might increase the risk of memory problems and Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126701 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Gum disease, a common infection that affects tooth support, becomes more prevalent as people age, especially in certain communities. We know that gum disease and Alzheimer's disease often appear together, but we don't fully understand if one causes the other or how they are linked. This project will follow a group of older adults in northern Manhattan who have been part of a long-term health project for nearly 30 years. By looking at their dental health alongside their medical history and memory test results, we hope to uncover how gum disease might contribute to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on existing participants in the WHICAP Ancillary Study of Oral Health, a multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort of aging elderly residing in northern Manhattan.
Not a fit: Patients not already part of the established WHICAP cohort would not directly benefit from participation in this specific grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify gum disease as a preventable risk factor for Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new strategies for prevention or early intervention.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies suggest a link between gum disease and Alzheimer's, this research aims to provide a more definitive understanding of the causal pathway and mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noble, James Mccallum — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Noble, James Mccallum
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.