Is it the key to preventing Alzheimer’s disease from lurking in your mouth? New research from the University of Exeter shows that there is a striking connection between oral bacteria and brain function as we age. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, shows that some bacteria are associated with better memory and attention, while others appear to increase the risk of cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s not just bad breath. Researchers identified two potential ways oral bacteria could affect brain health. One possibility is that harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream directly, which can cause damage to the brain. Another involves nitric oxide, a crucial chemical used in the brain for communication and memory formation. Imbalance of oral bacteria can hinder the conversion of nitrates (found in vegetables) to nitric oxide, which may affect cognitive function.
The study examined 110 participants over the age of 50, some without cognitive decline, while others showed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The decline in psychological capacity of MCI is greater than expected than normal aging and is considered an important risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Participants provided flushing samples and then analyzed to identify the type and amount of bacteria present.
The results are surprising. Individuals with higher Neisseria and Haemophilus showed better performance in memory, attention, and complex tasks. These people have higher levels of nitrite in their mouths, which is a key component of nitric oxide production. In contrast, higher Porphyromonas bacteria are more common in patients with memory problems, while Pretra is associated with low nitrite levels and is more common in people carrying the APOE4 gene, This is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our findings suggest that certain bacteria can be harmful to brain health as people age,” said Dr. Joanna L’Heureux, principal author of the study at the University of Exeter School of Medicine. “As part of the dental examination, it presents an interesting idea to measure bacterial levels and spot early signs of a decline in brain health.”
This study offers exciting possibilities for early detection and intervention. About 15% of older people experience MCI, making it a key target for preventive measures. If routine dental examinations can identify risky teeth based on the oral microbiome, interventions can be implemented earlier, which may slow down or even prevent the development of dementia.
The implications of this study go beyond diagnosis. Professor Anne Corbett, co-author of the University of Exeter Medical College, suggested that treatments targeting the oral microbiome may be key to preventing dementia. “If some bacteria support the function of the brain, while others help decline, treatments that change the balance of bacteria in the mouth may be part of the solution to prevent dementia. This may be through dietary changes, probiotics, oral hygiene. Regular, even targeted treatments.”
While this study provides compelling evidence for the link between oral bacteria and brain health, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved. The researchers acknowledge that without monitoring diet in this study, future work will explore the effects of dietary factors on the oral microbiome and its relationship to cognitive function. They also point out that 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, while useful, has limitations in species-level accuracy, and future studies may utilize metagenomics for more precise identification.
This study, titled “Oral microbiome and nitric oxide biomarkers in older people with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype”, is important for our complex interactions between oral health and cognitive decline. step. It provides hope that by understanding and manipulating the bacterial ecosystem in the oral cavity, we may be able to develop new strategies to combat dementia and retain it as we age. The idea of a simple mouth rinsing can hold the keys of a healthier brain is certainly chewable.
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