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BACTERIA IN BRAINS SUGGESTS ALZHEIMER’S – GUM DISEASE LINK
Bacteria linked to gum disease traveled to the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that dental hygiene
plays a role in the development of the memory-robbing illness, British
researchers said.
Signs of the bacterium, known as Porphyromonas gingivalis, were
found in four out of 10 samples of brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients,
while no signs of the bug were found in 10 brains from people of similar age
who never developed dementia, according to the results of the study published
in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The findings support a theory that
bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream through chewing or tooth removal
and end up in other parts of the body including the brain, StJohn Crean, the
lead researcher, said in a telephone interview. Over time, the chemicals
produced by the bacteria could build up and contribute to the development of
Alzheimer’s, according to the theory.
“The results are very encouraging,” said Crean, the dean of the
School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Central
Lancashire inEngland.
“We’ve shown an association, not causation. It does nothing more than to prove
that these bacteria do get to the brain.”
While brushing and flossing can also
cause bacteria to enter the blood, it’s important to frequently and effectively
clean the teeth to decrease the number of bacteria and cut the chance that they
will travel outside the mouth, he said.
Bacterial Assault “The issue is to reduce the bacterial
load that occupies our gum tissues, to reduce the bacterial assault if and when
it happens,” Crean said.
The study was paid for by the
university, Crean said. He and his colleagues are seeking funding for
additional research to explore the potential connection between the bacteria
and the development of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia mostly affect older people, and
the number afflicted by the conditions is growing worldwide as populations age.
The World Health Organization predicted dementia cases would triple
to 115 million in 2050 from 36 million worldwide in 2010. The exact cause of
the illness is unknown.
About 30 percent of people have had or will have gum disease,
Crean said. Previous studies have shown links between gum disease and other
illnesses including heart disease and
some forms of cancer.
To contact the reporter on this story: Kristen Hallam in London at khallam@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Phil Serafino at pserafino@bloomberg.net
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