It might sound more than a little far-fetched, but it’s true – researchers believe they’ve found a link between certain oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. Severe memory conditions like Alzheimer’s and Dementia are still very mysterious, so this discovery is kind of a big deal.
More research needs to be done to fully understand this connection, but scientists have some pretty solid theories about how oral bacteria contribute to cognitive decline. When all is said and done, remembering to brush your teeth could very well help prevent Alzheimer’s!
Discovering The Link
Let’s get right into the meat and potatoes: researchers found that memory loss patients had increased levels of gum disease bacteria. It’s tempting to think of gum disease and other oral conditions as problems that only affect your mouth. However, it’s important to remember that oral bacteria build up can spread to other parts of your body, like your brain.
This is most likely how gum disease is able to impair memory, and scientists have a few ideas about the details.
Chronic Inflammation
Without prompt treatment, gum disease can cause chronic inflammation in your gums, which puts a lot of stress on your immune system. Scientists think that an exhausted immune system trying to manage oral bacteria could accidentally attack non-threatening tissue instead. If that tissue is in your brain, the damage would likely impair your memory.
Gingipain
Normally, your brain is protected from harmful substances by a semi-permeable membrane called the blood brain barrier. However, if the barrier becomes compromised, it’s easier for toxins and bacteria to break through and cause problems.
Gingipain is a substance that can damage the blood brain barrier, and it happens to be produced by the bacteria involved in gum disease! It’s possible that gum disease-related gingipain makes the brain more susceptible to attacks on memory tissue.
Protein Deposits
Gum disease bacteria also increase the presence of misfolded amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque in the brain. These extracellular protein deposits are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s, and you might see their effects described as “fibrils,” “folds,” or “clusters.”
Basically, it seems these unwelcome visitors cling to and damage brain tissue, especially near important memory centers.
How Oral Hygiene Can Help
There are plenty of reasons why it’s best to keep gum disease bacteria out of your mouth, including its apparent connection to Alzheimer’s. Consistent oral hygiene habits like twice-daily brushing, once daily flossing, and biannual visits to your dentist’s are shown to significantly reduce your risk of gum disease.
Current research suggests many factors can contribute to Alzheimer’s, and oral hygiene is one more thing you can do to protect your brain!
About the Author
Dr. Laura Gramse has been serving Springfield and neighboring areas as a second-generation dentist for over 35 years. As a life-long learner, she’s received advanced training in many types of dental treatments and is able to offer patients truly comprehensive care. If you’re worried about gum disease or would like to schedule a checkup and cleaning, contact Dr. Gramse’s office at 413-414-5224.