Scientists have discovered a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that maintaining good oral hygiene may play a critical role in protecting brain health. A 2019 study by Dominy et al. found that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key bacterium involved in chronic periodontitis, was present in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients. More strikingly, toxic enzymes from the bacteria, called gingipains, were also found in individuals who had not yet shown clinical signs of dementia, indicating that infection could begin years before symptoms appear. In mouse studies, oral infection with P. gingivalis led to colonisation of brain tissue, production of amyloid beta (a hallmark protein of Alzheimer’s), neuroinflammation, and neuron loss. A drug developed to block the bacteria’s toxins, COR388 (atuzaginstat), showed early promise in reducing bacterial load and amyloid accumulation in animal models and in early-phase human trials. However, a larger Phase 2/3 trial failed to meet its primary endpoints, and the drug was placed on clinical hold due to safety concerns. While treatment development continues, the findings suggest that oral infections may contribute to Alzheimer’s, shifting the disease’s understanding from purely degenerative to potentially infectious. This research highlights a powerful and accessible preventive measure: consistent dental care may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Reference:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aau3333
