Posted on 09/13/2025 7:53:44 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Researchers reported evidence that a bacterium commonly associated with chronic gum disease could play a direct role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
The study, published in Science Advances, details how Porphyromonas gingivalis, the pathogen behind periodontitis, was detected in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
The findings come from an international team of scientists that included Jan Potempa, a microbiologist at the University of Louisville.
Potempa said the research offers some of the strongest evidence yet linking gum infection to Alzheimer’s pathology, though he stressed more work is needed to prove causation.
In animal studies, the team found that oral infection with P. gingivalis led to brain colonization.
It also triggered production of amyloid beta, a sticky protein fragment that forms the plaques widely recognized as a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers also identified toxic enzymes produced by the bacterium, called gingipains, in neurons of Alzheimer’s patients.
The higher the gingipain levels, the greater the buildup of proteins linked to brain cell damage.
The study also explored a potential treatment pathway. By using a small-molecule drug to block gingipains, researchers reported reduced bacterial load, less amyloid beta production, and protection of neurons in the hippocampus, the region of the brain critical for memory.
Potempa noted that while the work opens the door to new therapeutic strategies, it also reinforces a simpler message: oral health could be more closely tied to brain health than previously understood.
Two things outside the room brain come to mind, fluoride and aluminum
A friend with terrible taste but, never the less, a friend.
“...more work is needed...”
As always.....
Oral health is tied to brain health and heart health.
In almost all patients with surgical heart issues/failures, bacteria from the mouth are present in the heart.
Now that bacteria from the mouth in the brain, is the cause of alzheimers, it makes sense. The brain is trying to isolate the infection off.
Listerine, then Waterpik, then bed
RE: Outside the brain. 🧠
Do you have a theory for people who neglect to wear aluminum foil lined hats? Those of us who wear them will have a lot of declining people to take care of as we age. 🧢
from my profile page:
AFFORDABLE DENTISTRY
Two-year higher education programs and licensing options would be provided for:
1. basic dentistry: dental imaging, oral examination, extractions, cavity filling and crowns
2. implants
3. dentures
4. root canals
One-year higher education programs and licensing options would be provided for independent dental imaging, oral examination and dental hygiene for those persons with over $40000 in paid dental hygiene earned income.
Never tried a waterpik. We do brush and floss. Is a waterpik worth it?
Would expect British to have high rates of dementia?
Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can enter the brain and contribute to the onset of dementia via a number of mechanisms
Without a doubt.
Peter Falk died from dementia worsen by going to the dentist and having hip surgery.
Did a trip to the dentist accelerate Columbo’s Alzheimer’s?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2016170/Alzheimers-Did-trip-dentist-accelerate-Columbos-descent-dementia.html
AI results: Peter Falk’s Alzheimer’s symptoms and advanced dementia rapidly worsened in 2007 after a series of dental procedures, a development his family found to be a sudden and significant decline in his mental state. While not the cause of his Alzheimer’s, the dental work exacerbated his condition, leading to a loss of recognition for people and objects and a need for full-time care.
Within weeks of the dental work, Falk’s symptoms worsened dramatically, and he slipped into dementia.
Yes
Or it could be those with memory loss just forget to brush their teeth. The gingivitis develops after the fact.
that is interesting
about 20 years ago I ran across a theory that MS is introduced into the body through the mouth/dental work
“those with memory loss just forget to brush their teeth”
Great post.
It could be just that straightforward.
Gee. Its been years.
It actually kills or disables several kinds of oral bacteria that harm teeth and gums.
At the most basic level, tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria going to the bathroom inside our mouth.
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