The researchers have determined that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a decisive role in whether a person developes Alzheimer´s or not.
“We discovered DNA-based proof that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain,” says researcher Piotr Mydel at Broegelmanns Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen (UiB).
The bacteria produces a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain, which in turn leads to loss of memory and ultimately, Alzheimer´s.
The study is published in Science Advances.
Brush your teeth for better memory
Mydel points out that the bacteria is not causing Alzheimer´s alone, but the presence of these bacteria raise the risk for developing the disease substantially and are also implicated in a more rapid progression of the disease. However, the good news is that this study shows that there are some things you can do yourself to slow down Alzheimer´s.
Read more at The University of Bergen
Image: For several years, Piotr Mydel has done research investigating how different bacteria are implicated in Alzheimer's disease. (Credit: Kim E. Andreassen)