Skip to content
Science — Medical-conditions — Health-and-wellness — mental-health — Fitness-and-exercise — Healthy-diets — Nutrition

Mouth Bacteria's Impact on Dementia Risk: Potential Role in Brain Deterioration

Is there a possibility that the bacteria residing in your oral cavity could foretell your chances of developing dementia?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
Mouth bacteria could potentially signal your likelihood of developing dementia.
Mouth bacteria could potentially signal your likelihood of developing dementia.

Mouth Bacteria's Impact on Dementia Risk: Potential Role in Brain Deterioration

Mouth bacteria could foretell dementia risk, according to recent research. This emerging field investigates the connection between the oral microbiome and cognitive health, potentially reshaping our understanding of aging, memory loss, and dementia prevention.

Scientists are discovering an unexpected link between the oral microbiome — the diverse community of bacteria inhabiting the mouth — and cognitive health. Some microbes may bolster brain function, while others could serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative decline.

This groundbreaking research, led by researchers at the University of Exeter, uncovered a fascinating trend: certain oral bacteria can either protect or deteriorate brain health. Simple habits, such as regular brushing and a nutritious diet, could influence dementia risk later in life.

To explore this connection, scientists analyzed saliva samples from 115 adults aged 50 and over. Participants were divided into two groups: those with healthy cognitive function and those exhibiting early signs of memory and cognitive decline.

Researchers found that individuals with high levels of Neisseria and Haemophilus bacterial groups scored significantly better on cognitive tests, displaying better memory, sharper attention, and stronger problem-solving skills. These beneficial bacteria are associated with increased levels of nitrite, a compound that enhances blood circulation, including improved blood flow to the brain. Nitrite is produced by bacteria that break down nitrate, found mainly in leafy greens and beets.

In light of these findings, researchers are exploring whether nitrate-rich beetroot juice could enhance brain function in older adults by boosting beneficial oral bacteria. If successful, this could lead to new dietary strategies supporting cognitive health and delaying dementia.

On the flip side, two bacterial groups — Porphyromonas and Prevotella — were more prevalent in those with memory issues. Porphyromonas, which is often linked with gum disease, was particularly common among participants with cognitive decline. Meanwhile, Prevotella was linked to low nitrite levels, which may indicate reduced blood flow to the brain, and to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in carriers of the APOE4 genetic marker.

These findings raise the possibility of including bacterial screenings during routine dental checkups to detect early signs of dementia. If oral bacteria influence cognitive decline, targeting them at an early stage could become a game-changer in dementia prevention.

Researchers are considering various strategies to modify the oral microbiome, seek to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, reduce harmful bacteria, employ probiotics, develop mouthwashes or dietary supplements promoting a brain-healthy microbiome, and personalize dental care plans based on microbiome analysis.

While still in the early stages, the potential connection between oral health and brain function is profound. Simple lifestyle changes, such as better oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, a nitrate-rich diet, and avoidance of sugary and processed foods may protect one's memory and cognitive function for years to come by maintaining a balanced oral microbiome.

  1. The oral microbiome, comprising diverse bacteria in the mouth, could potentially serve as an early indicator of neurological disorders like dementia, according to recent research linking it with cognitive health.
  2. Scientists are considering modifying the oral microbiome by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, reducing harmful ones, using probiotics, developing mouthwashes or dietary supplements, and personalizing dental care plans based on microbiome analysis for improved mental health.
  3. A nutritious diet rich in nitrate, found mainly in leafy greens and beets, can influence dementia risk later in life, as it leads to increased levels of nitrite that boost blood circulation and support brain health, hence cognitive function.
  4. Poor oral health, marked by the presence of Porphyromonas (often linked with gum disease) and Prevotella, may indicate increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, especially in carriers of the APOE4 genetic marker, and could potentially contribute to memory issues and cognitive decline.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest