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You do not just avoid holes in your teeth by maintaining good oral hygiene, researchers at the University of Bergen have discovered a clear link between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers determined that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease or not.
"We have found evidence based on DNA that gingivitis-causing bacteria can pass from the mouth to the brain," says researcher Piotr Mydel of the Broegelmanns research laboratory of the department of clinical sciences of the United States. University of Bergen (UiB).
The bacterium produces a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain, resulting in memory loss and eventually Alzheimer's disease.
Brushing your teeth for a better memory
Mydel points out that the bacteria is not the only cause of Alzheimer's disease, but that the presence of this bacterium greatly increases the risk of developing the disease and is also implicated in a faster progression of the disease. However, the good news is that this study shows that there are some things you can do yourself to slow down Alzheimer's.
"Brush your teeth and use dental floss." Mydel adds that it is important, if you have gingivitis and you have Alzheimer's disease in your family, to regularly go to your dentist and brush your teeth well.
New drug under development
Researchers have already discovered that the bacteria that cause gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain, where the harmful enzymes that they excrete can destroy nerve cells in the brain. Now, for the first time, Mydel has DNA evidence of this process from the human brain. Mydel and his colleagues examined 53 affected people and discovered the enzyme in 96% of cases. According to Mydel, this knowledge offers researchers a new possible approach to fighting Alzheimer's disease.
"We have succeeded in developing a drug that blocks the harmful enzymes of the bacteria, thus delaying the development of Alzheimer's, and we plan to test this drug later this year," says Piotr Mydel.
Source of the story:
Material provided by The University of Bergen. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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