Does having gum disease increase alzeihmers risk?

Not really.: A study showed that people with Alzheimer's disease had gum disease. It does not mean gum disease CAUSES alzheimers. That link has not been made. But gum disease does increase your risks of other serious problems like heart disease.

Potential link: In a small study researchers find a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer's, but more study is necessary to show clinical significance. Although the findings do not prove that oral bacteria causes Alzheimer’s disease, preventing gum disease is still a good idea, and step #1 is a good oral hygiene.