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Early tooth loss points to Alzheimer's risk

Losing teeth at a young age could be an early warning of Alzheimer's in later life, according to new research.
A study of identical twins, led by professor Margaret Gatz of the University if Southern California, found a strong link between gum disease marked by teeth loss and the brain disease.
Scientists think it is the inflamation accompaning gum disease which helps trigger Alzheimer's. Early exposure to inflammation quadruples the risk of Alzheimer's in old age.
Influenza, rheumatic fever and tuberculosis also create inflammation. But inherited genes for Alzheimer's are a much bigger risk factor.