The researchers have determined that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a decisive role in whether a person developes Alzheimer´s or not.

"We discovered DNA-based proof that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain," says researcher. The bacteria produces a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain, which in turn leads to loss of memory and ultimately, Alzheimer´s.

The researcher points out that the bacteria is not causing Alzheimer´s alone, but the presence of these bacteria raise the risk for developing the disease substantially and are also implicated in a more rapid 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 floss". The researcher adds that it is important, if you have established gingivitis and have Alzheimer´s in your family, to go to your dentist regularly and clean your teeth properly.

Researchers have previously discovered that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain where the harmful enzymes they excrete can destroy the nerve cells in the brain. Now, for the first time, they have DNA-evidence for this process from human brains. The researchers examined 53 persons with Alzheimer´s and discovered the enzyme in 96 per cent of the cases.

Toxic proteases from the bacterium called gingipains were also identified in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, and levels correlated with tau and ubiquitin pathology. Oral P. gingivalis infection in mice resulted in brain colonization and increased production of Aβ_1–42, a component of amyloid plaques.

Further, gingipains were neurotoxic in vivo and in vitro, exerting detrimental effects on tau, a protein needed for normal neuronal function. To block this neurotoxicity, the authors designed and synthesized small-molecule inhibitors targeting gingipains. Gingipain inhibition reduced the bacterial load of an established P. gingivalis brain infection, blocked Aβ_1–42 production, reduced neuroinflammation, and rescued neurons in the hippocampus.

According to the researcher, this knowledge gives researchers a possible new approach for attacking Alzheimer´s disease.

"We have managed to develop a drug that blocks the harmful enzymes from the bacteria, postponing the development of Alzheimer´s. We are planning to test this drug later this year, says the author.

https://www.uib.no/en/med/127507/brush-your-teeth-–-postpone-alzheimer´s.

https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/1/eaau3333

http://sciencemission.com/site/index.php?page=news&type=view&id=publications%2Fporphyromonas_2&filter=22