Recent research shows that Alzheimer’s disease could potentially be linked to your oral health.
A 2019 study by researchers at the University of Louisville have discovered that the bacteria that causes gum infections, Porphyromonas Gingivalis, had been found in the brain matter of people who died of Alzheimer’s.
Through this study, they also found that the toxic enzymes from these bacteria had been found in the brain matter of those who had never shown symptoms of dementia. This would show that the damage of these bacteria would start years before any noticeable memory problems would occur.
A part of this research included studying mice with these same bacteria in their gums. They quickly noticed that these bacteria traveled to their brains, resulting in an increase of the same protein that is linked to Alzheimer’s.
Through this study, researchers warn that it is far too soon to say that gum disease and poor oral hygiene are directly causing Alzheimer’s. Although, there is evidence to suggest that oral bacteria may be able to work towards the brain and have long term effects.