Emerging research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to an unexpected culprit - gum disease.
A study discovered the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium responsible for chronic periodontitis, in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients.
Researchers found that when mice were infected with the bacteria, it colonized their brains and triggered the production of amyloid beta, a protein commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. This evidence strengthens the hypothesis that the disease could have infectious origins rather than being solely a neurodegenerative disorder. The study also revealed that toxic enzymes from the bacteria were present in individuals who had Alzheimer’s-related brain changes but had not yet been diagnosed with dementia, suggesting the infection may begin years before symptoms appear.
While more research is needed, the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, highlights a simple yet vital message : taking care of your teeth might help protect your brain in the long run.