In a new study from the University of Bergen, researchers found a clear connection between gum disease and Alzheimer´s disease.
They found that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a decisive role in whether a person develops Alzheimer’s or not.
They showed DNA-based proof that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain.
The bacteria produces a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain, which in turn leads to loss of memory and ultimately, Alzheimer’s.
The team points out that the bacteria is not causing Alzheimer’s alone, but the presence of these bacteria raise the risk for developing the disease substantially and are also implicated in a more rapid progression of the disease.
However, the good news is that this study shows that there are some things people can do to slow down Alzheimer’s.
The researchers suggest brush teeth and use floss. It is important, if people have established gingivitis and have Alzheimer’s in the family, to go to their dentists regularly and clean teeth properly.
Researchers have previously discovered that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain where theharmful enzymes they excrete can destroy the nerve cells in the brain.
Now, for the first time, the team has DNA-evidence for this process from human brains. They examined 53 patients with Alzheimer’s and discovered the enzyme in 96% of the cases.
This knowledge gives researchers a possible new approach for attacking Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers have managed to develop a drug that blocks the harmful enzymes from the bacteria, postponing the development of Alzheimer’s.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about this common nutrient may hold the key to beating Alzheimer’s disease and findings of epigenetic markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and your health, please see recent studies about this diet may reduce Alzheimer’s risk by changing gut bacteria and results showing a new way to treat memory loss, Alzheimer’s.
The study is published in Science Advances. One author of the study is researcher Piotr Mydel.
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