A growing number of studies suggest that Alzheimer’s disease may not be a single disease, but an infection. One study published in 2019 discovered the bacterial culprit behind chronic periodontitis (gum disease) – Porphyromonas gingivalis – in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients.
Researchers from the University of Louisville and Cortexyme found that oral infections with the bacteria led to brain colonization, increased production of amyloid beta (sticky proteins associated with Alzheimer’s), and neuroinflammation. The discovery was significant because it linked gum disease directly to Alzheimer’s for the first time.
The study identified toxic enzymes called gingipains secreted by the bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, which correlated with markers of the disease such as tau protein and ubiquitin. Moreover, low levels of these enzymes were found in people who never received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, suggesting that gum disease may be an early event in the development of the condition.
The research also showed promise for a potential treatment. A compound called COR388 reduced bacterial load, amyloid-beta production, and neuroinflammation in mice with established P. gingivalis brain infections. The study has sparked cautious optimism within the research community, which is eager to explore new approaches to tackle Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-cause-of-alzheimers-might-be-coming-from-inside-your-mouth