Reasearchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK has discovered that people with poor oral hygiene or gum disease are most likely to be in the high risk of developing Alzheimer's compared with people that have healthy teeth. The presence of a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis were found in the brains of people with dementia when they were still alive. It is a bug usually associated with chronic periodontal (gum) disease.
In this study published in the Journals of Alzheimer's Disease , 10 brain samples were donated for analysis by a scheme called the Brains for Dementia Research alongside 10 brain samples from people who haven't got the disease. In the examination of the samples, it was found out that the presence of Porphyromonas Gingivalis were in the brains of the people with Alzheimer's disease.
This bacteria is usually found in the oral cavities and enters the blood stream through different daily activities such as chewing, eating, and brushing teeth. However it is more possible that it can enter the blood stream after an invasive dental treatment.
The researchers note that each time the bacteria enter the brain, it could trigger immune system responses, causing the release of excess chemicals that can kill neurons. The researchers say that this activity could lead to symptoms such as confusion and deteriorating memory, typical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
The study strengthens the previous findings that Alzheimer's disease is linked to poor dental health. A research from the New York Universtity in 2010 revealed long-term evidence linking gum inflammation and Alzheimer's disease finding that gum disease could lead to cognitive dysfunction.
The researchers say future research could involve determining whether Porphyromonas Gingivalis could be used as a marker for a blood test that predicts the development of Alzheimer's disease in patient who are a higher risk.
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