Medical experts suggest that keeping your teeth and gums healthy might be your strongest defense. It’s a sobering thought for those without access to dental care. Researchers found Porphyromonas gingivalis—the microbe responsible for chronic gum disease—in the brains of people who died from Alzheimer’s. In mouse studies, this infection moved into brain tissue and caused the buildup of amyloid beta, a signature protein of the disease. Even more alarming, toxic enzymes from the bacteria were present in people with early brain changes before any dementia symptoms appeared, suggesting an infection could be the trigger years in advance. This discovery is sparking new treatment ideas. A drug called COR388 showed promise in animals by reducing bacteria and amyloid levels. While human results are still coming, it suggests Alzheimer’s might be an infectious process rather than just age-related decline. Since no new dementia treatments have arrived in 15 years, the link between oral hygiene and brain health is a powerful reminder of the mind-body connection. Source: Dominy, S.S., et al. (2019). Science Advances, 5(1), eaau3333
Just because you have gum disease doesn’t mean you have an overgrowth of Pg specifically. I had my mouth screened for bacterial levels to target the right strains. I had other issues, but Pg wasn’t one of them.
This is from 2019 and there hasn’t been a big update? Whatever.
It feels like everything causes beta amyloid these days.
So if you have gingivitis and hsv-1, you’re basically doomed.
Another reason why being poor makes retirement a nightmare. Fantastic.
There’s also a well-documented link between gum disease and heart health. Gingivitis causes chronic inflammation across the whole body, which is also linked to Alzheimer’s. I’ve been using BrainProtect to support my overall cognitive wellness and I’m quite satisfied with it.
Literally everyone with heart disease has a gingivalis infection. I wonder if working out regularly helps keep the bacteria in check.
I’m just going to end it all when I turn 60, this is too much.
This news is several years old.