FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog

The Los Angeles Times (free registration required) has this piece:

Gum inflammation may be linked to increased risk of the brain disorder

Missing teeth and gum disease at an early age may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have found, bolstering the increasingly strong connection between early exposure to chronic inflammation and the degenerative brain disorder.

The study, among the findings presented last week at the first Alzheimer’s Assn. International Conference on Prevention of Dementia, examined lifestyle factors of more than 100 pairs of identical twins. All of the pairs included one twin who had developed dementia and one who hadn’t. Because identical twins are genetically indistinguishable, the study involved only risk factors that could be modified to help protect against dementia.

Twins who had severe periodontal disease before they were 35 years old had a fivefold increase in risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers found.

Lead author Margaret Gatz, a psychology professor at USC, cautioned that the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean that extra flossing will reduce that risk.

“We’re not saying, ‘Brush your teeth: Prevent Alzheimer’s disease,’ at all. That would be an overly simplistic explanation,” Gatz said.

Instead, periodontal disease may be a marker for chronic exposure to disease that provokes an inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation can damage tissue, including the brain, which may contribute to the development of the disease.

“I would think of the periodontal disease as a signpost, not a cause,” Gatz said.

Periodontal disease is also linked to general health, she pointed out, and even the inflammatory link to Alzheimer’s may involve several factors.

There has been discussion in the literature regarding periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, pro and con:

The periodontal-cardiovascular link.

Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2004 Sep;25(9):681-2, 685-92; quiz 694.

Periodontal diseases and the risk of coronary heart and cerebrovascular diseases: a meta-analysis.

J Periodontol. 2004 Aug;75(8):1046-53.

And studies of linkage to other systemic diseases:

Periodontal disease is associated with renal insufficiency in the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) study.

Am J Kidney Dis. 2005 Apr;45(4):650-7.

However, in the meantime, while the studies are being undertaken and results generated, Flap is going to floss, water pik and brush just a little better.

Oh… and see the hygienist, dentist and periodontist regularly.

With today’s decisions:

Grokster

Ten Commandments times 2

And last week’s decision:

Kelo v. City of New London (04-108)

Flaps says BLEH!

Statist decisions by an OLD and Worn Out Court.

SCOTUS needs new blood and NEW Law.

Flap continues to handicap at least two vacancies on the court.

The Court now is formally out of session until October 3, and the new Term opening. The Justices will meet in private Conference on Monday, September 26, to vote on grant or denial of new cases that have arrived over the summer recess.

Hat Tip: SCOTUS Blog

Update #1

No more rumors about who the President will appoint to the court.

After a good nights sleep, we will all know.

Tomorrow!

The United States Supreme Court ends its term today with decisions on major cases and anticipated retirements of one or more justices.

Michelle Malkin has an excellent round-up here, THE SUPREME COURT SIZZLES

Hot day ahead for the Supreme Court as it ends its term; hands down some highly anticipated rulings (including a Ten Commandments case and the Cooper/Miller confidential sources appeal); and prepares for a likely resignation.

Hugh Hewitt and Bill Kristol had dueling predictions last week. Hugh sez Rehnquist; Kristol sez O’Connor. We’ll know soon enough. Steve at Southern Appeal was an early betting man on successors; he’s going with Michael McConnell.

Tons of stories speculating on successors to Rehnquist.

Heavy lobbying campaigns already under way on both sides.

Washington Post’s Monday morning edition reports:

The White House gathered key political operatives at a strategy meeting Friday to prepare for a possible Supreme Court vacancy that officials believe could occur this week, leading to the first high court confirmation battle in a decade, according to Republicans informed about the session.

The meeting, hosted by White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card Jr., his deputy Karl Rove and counsel Harriet Miers, was called to ensure that President Bush’s supporters are ready for the high-stakes, high-intensity, high-dollar campaign that would follow a nomination. But some participants later told associates that they were not sure if any justice would retire.

Hmmm.

Red State hears:

Sources close to the White House are telling Red State that they do expect a Supreme Court vacancy in the next ten days — as soon as tomorrow is possible, but within the next ten days seems most likely.

Robert Novak sez: No, not Gonzales!

Flap is off to drill this morning but his handicap is here.

For additional links, Michelle obliges:

Court-watching blogs to bookmark:

The Supreme Court Nomination Blog and SCOTUS blog

Bench Memos

How Appealing

Southern Appeal