Postpone
Alzheimer´s
The
researchers have determined that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a decisive role
in whether a person develops Alzheimer´s or not.“We discovered DNA-based proof that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain,” says researcher Piotr Mydel at Broegelmanns Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen (UiB).
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 study is published in Science Advances.
Mydel
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”.
Mydel
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.
New
medicine being developed
Researchers
have previously discovered that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from
the mouth to the brain where theharmful enzymes they excrete can destroy the
nerve cells in the brain.
Now, for the first time, Mydel has DNA-evidence for this process from human brains. Mydel and his colleagues examined 53 persons with Alzheimer´s and discovered the enzyme in 96 per cent of the cases.
According to Mydel, 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 Piotr Mydel.
