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Alzheimer's Disease Linked to Oral Bacteria
New research shows that Alzheimer's disease may be linked to bacteria that cause gum inflammation - gingivitis. Scientists have repeatedly found Porphyromonas gingivalis, the main bacterium causing periodontitis, in the brains of people who died from Alzheimer's disease.
TL;DR
- The bacterium *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, which causes gum inflammation (gingivitis), has been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
- Mice infected with this bacterium developed Alzheimer's disease pathology, including amyloid-beta plaques.
- Toxic enzymes from the bacteria were found in brains exhibiting early Alzheimer's symptoms, indicating potential long-term silent damage.
- An experimental drug, COR388, has shown promise in reducing both bacterial load and amyloid-beta levels in preclinical studies.
- There is growing evidence that some cases of Alzheimer's may be triggered by infection.