Gingival crevicular fluid as a functionalized point of care for the early detection of dementia or the asymptomatic phase of neurodegeneration

TL;DR

This paper explores using gingival crevicular fluid as a non-invasive way to detect early signs of dementia or neurodegeneration.

Contribution

It proposes a novel use of GCF as a functionalized point-of-care tool for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

Findings

GCF contains biomarkers that reflect neuroinflammatory pathways linked to dementia.

Advances in biosensing could enable GCF analysis for early risk identification.

The oral–brain connection offers new opportunities in preventive medicine.

Abstract

Growing evidence links chronic systemic inflammation, particularly from periodontitis, to neurodegenerative processes, which have been reported to share common pathways. Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease is crucial, given that underlying neuropathological processes evolve silently for decades before diagnosis. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), a serum-derived exudate from the gingival sulcus, mirrors both local periodontal inflammation and systemic conditions. Its molecular composition—rich in cytokines, enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and microbial metabolites—makes it a potential source of biomarkers reflecting neuroinflammatory pathways. This review discusses the biological rationale and emerging evidence supporting the use of GCF as a functionalized biofluid for early detection of dementia or asymptomatic neurodegeneration. By integrating advances in biosensing and lab-on-a-chip technologies, GCF analysis could become a minimally invasive, point-of-care approach to identify individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Exploring this oral–brain connection may open new perspectives in preventive medicine and personalized diagnostics.

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