Scientists have found that the mixture of bacteria in the oral cavity can be used as a warning system for decline in cognitive ability. Specific bacterial communities are related to better brain function. The study was published on PNAS Nexus, revealing how different oral bacteria interact with the memory and thinking ability of the elderly.
This study involves participants over 120 years of age, which determines a specific oral bacterial group that seems to affect cognitive health, especially among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (MCI). This situation is usually dementia.
Okay, bad and bacteria
Two bacterial groups have become key participants. Researchers have found that higher levels of bacteria that are called Neushamis and Bacteria of Bacteria and MCI patients with MCI patients, perform function and visual attention cognitive testing related to cognitive testing. These beneficial bacteria also show the connection with higher levels of nitrite, which is an important molecule for brain health.
On the contrary, different bacteria (especially a species called Prevotella Intermedia) is more common among people carrying the APOE4 gene. The APOE4 gene is a known genetic risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that compared with health control, among people with mild cognitive disorders, Candida Candida bacteria are also richer.
Enter the window of brain health
This study provides new insights for how oral health affects the decline in cognitive ability. The group analyzed oral samples from 60 healthy participants and 55 MCI patients, and studied bacterial communities and nitric oxide chemicals, which is vital molecules for brain function.
The research team pointed out: “These findings emphasize the delicate balance between different oral bacteria and its potential effects on brain health.” The study showed that some bacteria can help maintain healthy brain function by producing beneficial compounds, and while they can help maintain a healthy brain function and Other bacteria may lead to a decline in cognitive ability.
Early warning system
It is particularly interesting that it is found that a specific bacterial model can identify people with APOE4 gene variants, which increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery shows that oral bacteria characteristics may be an early indicator of dementia, and may be before traditional symptoms occur.
The meaning of the future
The study opened up new possibilities for early intervention and prevention. By understanding how oral bacteria affect brain health, scientists may develop new methods to support cognitive functions with age, which may be through targeted probiotics or diet interventions.
These discoveries are particularly important for individuals with higher genetic risks with dementia, which shows that it is particularly important to maintain oral health for these people.
Look forward to the future
Although more research is needed to fully understand these connections, the study provides convincing evidence, indicating that brain -brain connection may be more important than previously imagined. The research team emphasized that future research should explore whether these bacterial communities can help prevent or delay the decline in cognitive capabilities.
The research was funded by the University of Ekstet, which was funded by the National Institute of Health and Nursing, the Medical Research Committee and the Huikang Foundation. The study involves 120 participants from Protect research. The research is an online aging crowd that tracks the cognitive health of the elderly in the UK.
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