New research from the University of Exeter has revealed an intriguing link between oral health and brain function, specifically how the bacteria in your mouth could influence the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Published in PNAS Nexus, the study identifies certain bacterial groups in the mouth that may either boost cognitive function or increase susceptibility to cognitive decline.
The research team analyzed mouth rinse samples from 110 participants over the age of 50, recruited from the PROTECT study, which tracks the brain health of over 25,000 middle-aged individuals in the UK. Participants were divided into two groups: one with normal cognitive function and the other with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Key Findings:
- Individuals with higher levels of Neisseria and Haemophilus bacteria performed better in memory and cognitive tasks. These individuals also had elevated levels of nitrite, a compound crucial for brain communication and memory formation.
- On the flip side, the presence of Porphyromonas was more common in those experiencing memory issues, and Prevotella was linked to lower nitrite levels. Interestingly, Prevotella was more frequently found in individuals with the Alzheimer’s risk gene, APOE4.
How Could Oral Bacteria Affect Brain Health?
The study proposes two possible mechanisms behind this connection:
- Harmful bacteria might enter the bloodstream and directly damage the brain.
- An imbalance between harmful and beneficial bacteria could disrupt the conversion of dietary nitrate into nitric oxide, a crucial chemical for brain function and cognitive health.
Implications for Prevention and Early Detection:
Dr. Joanna L’Heureux, the lead author, pointed out the potential significance of this discovery: “Our findings suggest that some bacteria might be detrimental to brain health as people age. It raises an interesting idea for performing routine tests as part of dental check-ups to measure bacterial levels and detect very early signs of declining brain health.”
Co-author Professor Anne Corbett added: “If certain bacteria support brain function while others contribute to decline, treatments that alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth could become part of a solution to prevent dementia. This could involve dietary changes, probiotics, oral hygiene routines, or even targeted treatments.”
What Does This Mean for You?
This research offers a new perspective on oral health and its potential role in preventing dementia. Regular brushing and maintaining good oral hygiene might not only help prevent cavities and gum disease but could also play a role in protecting your brain. Monitoring the types of bacteria in the mouth could become a key part of early detection and intervention in cognitive decline.
As the research suggests, a healthy mouth could lead to a healthier brain, offering a potential new avenue for combating dementia and Alzheimer’s in the future.
Related topics:
Health First Foundation Grant Helps Dental Days Bring Free Dental Care to Northern Arizona
United Concordia Donates $100,000 to Support Children’s Dental Clinic at William D. Kelley School
Rising Dental Coverage Prices Could Impact Sales of Other Specialty Benefits
