In a recent study of more than 2,300 men and women over the age of 60, those who scored the lowest on simple arithmetic and memory tasks-making mistakes similar to patients with early Alzheimer’s disease- had gotten the most exposure over the years to a particular gum disease causing bacteria (The researchers could tell from blood tests) The cognitive connection? The body responds to this pathogen with inflammation, which stiffens blood vessels and raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and memory problems. “When it comes to preventing dementia and other chronic diseases, it may be just as important to brush, floss, and go to the dentist as it is to take your blood pressure medication,” says James M. Noble of Harlem Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center.