Off The Record
What’s In Your Mouth Could Be Triggering Alzheimer’s, Scientists Say
Debilitating symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and loss of identity are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative neurological ailment.
The development of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain are the two main characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.
How Does Plaque Buildup Impact The Brain?
These accumulate over time until symptoms appear and ultimately lead to the death of neurons in our brains.
Researchers are currently looking into how its development may be connected to the rest of the body, even though it may be a brain disorder.
Gum disease, often known as chronic periodontitis, has historically been directly linked to heart disease [1]. It seems to have a connection to brain health as well, specifically Alzheimer’s disease.
According to research, Alzheimer’s disease might be brought on by an infection with a specific kind of bacteria that is typically linked to periodontal disease, or gum disease.
The Bacteria In Question?
Gingivalis porphyromonas. In patients with bacterial vaginosis, it is not only present in the mouth but also in the colon, gastrointestinal system, respiratory tract, and vagina [2].
While some academics are attempting to determine the precise processes of the sickness, a number of scientific investigations (such as the examples below) support the idea that the two are in fact related:
What Did Studies Find?
Elizabeth Krall Kaye et al.’s study of 597 males revealed a link between tooth loss, gum disease appearance, and an increased chance of cognitive impairment [3].
According to a different study, Alzheimer’s disease seems to be associated with tooth loss as well, and the more teeth lost, the worse the condition got. This data suggests that maintaining excellent dental health is more important than previously thought.
In 2017 a study conducted in Bristol (UK) led scientists to believe that the pathogen was the cause of the neural inflammation previously associated with the disease.
“We now have strong evidence connecting P. gingivalis and Alzheimer’s pathogenesis, but more research needs to be done before P. gingivalis is explicitly implicated in the causation or morbidity of AD (Alzheimer’s Disease),” reported David Emery [4].
Confirmations Made
Microbiologist Jan Potempa’s more recent study, which was published early this year (2019), may have provided the evidence Mr. Emery was looking for [5].
The fact that the involved bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is also present in the brains of Alzheimer patients who have passed away helps to confirm this. In other words, a person’s chance of developing cognitive impairments later in life increases with the amount of time they spend exposed to this bacteria.
Stephen Dominy, the author of the most recent study from 2019, agrees that its results have connected the possibility of a cause-and-effect relationship between Alzheimer’s and gum disease.
“Now, for the first time, we have solid evidence connecting the intracellular, Gram-negative pathogen, P. gingivalis, and Alzheimer’s pathogenesis while also demonstrating the potential for a class of small molecule therapies to change the trajectory of disease,” the researchers said, adding to the body of evidence though it is not yet conclusively proven. [6]
What’s Next?
Alzheimer’s disease has no known cure, but these new discoveries strengthen the notion that P. gingivalis is connected to and at least partially causes the condition.
Understanding some of the disease’s underlying causes may aid in the creation of fresh preventative strategies.
There are many ways to avoid this. Getting a good night’s sleep, learning new things continually, exercising frequently, and eating healthily are some of these [7].
Conclusion: Although there is still a long way to go before Alzheimer’s may be cured, these recent discoveries offer fresh hope that its progression can be stopped.
This study, at the very least, increases our motivation to keep our teeth healthy and see the dentist on a regular basis.
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