Aging adults’ cognitive function may be influenced by their oral microbiome, according to a study published in *PNAS Nexus*. Pathogenic bacteria like Porphyromonas were found to correlate with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while beneficial bacteria such as Neisseria supported better cognitive outcomes. Researchers identified that a high abundance of *Neisseria* was linked to improved executive function and visual attention in individuals with MCI, while *Haemophilus* species correlated with enhanced working memory.
The study also found that participants with the APOE4 allele—a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease—had higher levels of *Prevotella intermedia*, a bacterium previously linked to increased dementia risk. Interestingly, diet plays a role in shaping the microbiome: a nitrate-rich diet (like those commonly consumed in the Mediterranean) was associated with a favorable bacterial profile linked to better cognitive health.
Oral interventions targeting the microbiome may help slow cognitive decline and reduce dementia risks. Further research is needed to explore how these findings can translate into effective, accessible health interventions for aging populations.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/oral-microbiome-cognition-28391