Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease?
Being one of the major causes of death worldwide, the cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown. The condition results in the progressive loss of memory as well as cognitive function. Patient history, cognitive tests and imaging can help to rule out other possible causes yet only after death can the disease be confirmed- there being an accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins.
The accumulation of these proteins (amyloid in particular) being one of the earlier signs of Alzheimer’s led to the popularisation of the ‘amyloid hypothesis’. The hypothesis suggests that the uncontrolled accumulation of the protein leads to the formation of the sticky plaque and eventually Alzheimer’s. Since the 80’s theory, a lot of funding has gone into the destruction of the proteins.
With a 99% failure in treatments for Alzheimer’s failing- this year alone, a new approach was needed. Consequently, research went into understanding amyloids function. Through the testing on mice, it had been found that the amyloid protein formed plaques around invading bacteria, within the brain, overnight. Thus, the protein acted as an anti-microbial- a defence mechanism.
Now onto the gum disease- better known as Porphyromonas Gingivalis (P.Gingivalis for short), the bacterium was found to invade an inflame regions similar to that of Alzheimer’s. by invading white blood cells, the bacterium can cross the blood brain barrier via. the cranial nerves. This has led to the new possible theory. Either P.Gingivalis causes Alzheimer’s – through the release of toxic enzymes within the brain – or the disease triggers an excessive immune response, killing the neurons instead of protecting them.
For more information, click here.
Comments