A recent study published in the journal Science Advances found evidence linking bacteria associated with periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s. Researchers analyzed brain tissue, spinal fluid and saliva from Alzheimer’s patients; both living and deceased and found the bacteria, P. gingivalis may play a role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s. However, Alzheimer’s experts not involved in the research caution that not enough research has been done to prove the association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s.
Research studies: possible link of Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s
· *In January 2019, a new study published in the journal Science Advances, found a potential link between P. gingivalis, the bacteria associated with periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s. **The co-founder of Cortexyme Inc., Dr. Dominy and his team found P. gingivalis in the brain tissue, spinal fluid and saliva from Alzheimer’s patients, both living and deceased. The Cortexyme team did a mice study. The team swabbed the gums of healthy mice with P. gingivalis every other day for 6 weeks to cause gum infection. The team later detected P. gingivalis in the mice’s brain tissues along with dying neurons and higher than normal level of proteins that cause Alzheimer’s.
*American Academy of Periodontology. Perio.org Article January 28, 2019 **Science Magazine January 23, 2019
· *Researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry performed a study on wild mice. The mice received 22 weeks of repeated oral application of the periodontal bacteria. The researchers found that the mice had more brain inflammation and fewer intact neurons due to degeneration than those mice without oral application of periodontal bacteria. Keiko Watanabe, D.D.S., Professor of periodontics at UIC said, “Our data not only demonstrate the movement of bacteria from the mouth the brain, but also that chronic infection leads to neural effects similar to Alzheimer’s. Periodontal bacteria may kick start the development of the Alzheimer’s.”
*Dentistry Today October 4, 2018
· *Mark I. Ryder, DMD, Professor of Periodontology at the University of California, San Francisco noted that the presence of P. gingivalis increased the production of amyloid beta (plaque buildup in the brain) which contributes to Alzeimer’s. Dr. Ryder confirmed the mice study that P. gingvalis can travel from the mouth to the brain and can destroy brain neurons.
*American Academy of Periodontology. Perio.org Article January 28, 2019
Gum Disease is a common condition for older adults
Richard Kao, DDS, PhD, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), encourages older adults to maintain diligent oral care and treat periodontal disease to help mitigate Alzheimer’s risks. Dr. Kao said, “Periodontal disease increases to 68 percent for people age 65 and older…visiting a periodontist can help identify any disease and treated as needed, potentially diminishing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.”
More research is needed
P. gingivalis is likely to be one of a variety of pathogens that contributes to the amyloid beta (plaque buildup in the brain) that causes Alzheimer’s. More studies are needed to support the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s. An upcoming FDA phase II clinical trial will assess and add further insight to the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Anna Lee is a General & Cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. Periodontal disease can occur at any age. If you notice any signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, please call for a consultation. You can visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call to schedule for an appointment at 626-335-5114.
*Visit our website to read about periodontal disease on Dr. Lee’s blog.
