New research from the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine suggests that maintaining good oral health may play a significant role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions.
Dr. Josh Landers, chair of biomedical sciences and assistant professor at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, is the lead author of “Oral Health as a Determinant of Alzheimer’s Disease,” a narrative review published in the journal Physiologia. The paper examines emerging evidence that bacteria linked to periodontal disease can contribute to neuroinflammation, disruption of the blood–brain barrier, and vascular injury — all key factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Landers noted that chronic inflammation originating in the gums can enter the bloodstream and impact long-term neurological health. The review highlights studies identifying periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and research showing individuals with poor oral health may face more than double the risk of developing the disease.
The publication marks a milestone for the new dental school, featuring contributions from two students and three faculty members. It is the first published research from the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine to include student authors. School officials say recent approval of additional student-involved studies signals rapid growth in the institution’s research program.
Dr. Stefanie Leacock, director of research, said the work reflects the school’s commitment to integrating research into dental education from the start. Founding dean Dr. Burke Soffe added that the findings underscore the importance of collaboration between dental and medical professionals in preventing chronic disease.
The review also outlines practical strategies to reduce oral inflammation, including routine periodontal care, nutrition, and emerging diagnostic tools. The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine opened in summer 2025 in Little Rock and is Arkansas’ first dental school, with a focus on interdisciplinary research, rural oral health access, and patient-centered education.
