Could Gum Disease be Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease?
Recent scientific investigations have put forth a compelling hypothesis: Alzheimer’s disease might be more than just a consequence of aging – it could be the result of an infection. While the exact nature of this infection is still being studied, researchers are uncovering evidence that challenges our previous understanding of this debilitating condition.
A study published in 2019 shed light on a potential bacterial culprit behind Alzheimer’s – Porphyromonas gingivalis, the pathogen responsible for chronic periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease. Led by microbiologist Jan Potempa from the University of Louisville, the research team discovered traces of this bacterium in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients.
Building upon previous links between these two factors, the researchers conducted experiments with mice that showed oral infection with P. gingivalis led to brain colonization by the bacteria and increased production of amyloid beta, the hallmark protein associated with Alzheimer’s.
Stephen Dominy, the first author of the study and co-founder of pharma startup Cortexyme, emphasized the significance of these findings: “For the first time, we have solid evidence connecting the intracellular pathogen, P. gingivalis, and Alzheimer’s pathogenesis.”
The team also identified toxic enzymes called gingipains secreted by the bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, which correlated with key markers of the disease. Intriguingly, these toxic gingipains were found in the brains of individuals who were never diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, suggesting a potential early link between gum disease and dementia.
Further research revealed that a compound developed by Cortexyme, called COR388, could reduce bacterial load in the brain, amyloid-beta production, and neuroinflammation in mice with established P. gingivalis infections.
While more studies are needed to fully understand the connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, the research community is optimistic about the potential implications of these findings. Chief scientific officer David Reynolds from Alzheimer’s Research highlighted the importance of exploring new approaches to treat diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The study was published in Science Advances, offering a promising avenue for future research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
