Do Bacteria linked to periodontal disease cause Alzheimer disease?


According to a just published Study in Science Advances  P gingivalis and associated neurotoxins (gingipains) are causitive factors in Alzheimers disease and dementias. The scientists found it likely that antimicrobials (AB 1-42) seemed effective in inhibiting the neurotoxins that were causitive agents of plaque formations. P Gingivalis is a gram negative anaerobic bacteria that may also play a role in cardiovascular disease as well. In fact another study menitons that 100 percent of patients with cardiovascular disease had P. gingivalis arterial colonization.

Part of the above mentioned study involved infecting eight  mice with P Gingivalis and demonstrating" that the bacteria invaded the brain of all eight mice after an oral infection for 6 weeks"  In a separate experiment, the researchers were able to  treat brain infected mice with gigipain inhibitors that diminished P gingivalis concentrations in their brains.

This is exciting news since these findings will likely lead to more effective drug therapies for those who may have Alzeimers ( both subclinical and clinically manifested). It also provides a strong rational for improved home care for patients, especially  middle aged and elderly patients. It seems to lend support for the need for more frequent periodontal cleanings (3-4 times per year) and better home care instruction. These "periodontal prophies" may cut down the bacterial load of P Gingivalis in the mouth and could possibly help prevent Alzheimers and dementia. Also, with the support of their dental team, they should be able to improve their  home care routine.

from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2019/01/do-bacteria-linked-to-periodontal.html - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/

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