In 2016 a new study revealed the link between gum disease and cognitive decline in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The dental health of 52 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's was monitored for about 6 months. The dental health of each participant was assessed with blood samples, inflammatory markers, and various cognitive tests. The Alzheimer patients that also had gum disease had a cognitive decline that was 6 times as bad as the patients without gum disease due to their bodies increased inflammatory response. The research strongly supports how effective gum treatment can reduce inflammatory bacteria and elevated risks of cognitive decline.