Can bacteria in your mouth predict if you are at risk of dementia?
New research suggests that bacteria living in the tongue and gums can affect how the brain works and how it changes with age. Second, this can affect whether someone is getting older normally or develops dementia.
Scientists have revealed an incredible connection between oral microbiome, a bustling ecosystem of bacteria in the mouth, and brain health.
a New research My colleagues and I suggest that certain bacteria may help with memory and thinking skills, while other bacteria may be early warning signs of poor brain function.
This increases the likelihood that diet and treatment that alters our oral bacteria will one day play a role in helping us maintain our brain health.
For the study, saliva samples from 115 adults aged 50 and older were analyzed. Of these people, 52% had healthy brain functions, while the other 48% had early signs of poor memory and other brain functions.
Bacteria were examined in these samples and showed that there were many people with two groups of bacteria. Neisseria and Haemophilus I performed better on my brain health tests. In particular, people with these bacteria have better memories and have improved their ability to perform complex tasks with caution.
These people also had high levels of ion nitrite ions in their mouths. Nitrites are produced by bacteria when they break down nitrates. This is a natural part of a vegetable-rich diet.
Bacteria can also break down nitrites to produce nitric oxide. This improves circulation, including blood flow to the brain. This suggests that eating lots of nitrate-rich vegetables, such as leafy green spinach and rockets, can help improve healthy bacteria levels and improve brain health.
We are currently investigating whether nitrate-rich beetroot juice can improve brain function in older people by hijacking bacteria in their mouths.
On the other hand, different groups of bacteria may be more harmful than good. Our study discovered two groups of bacteria that may be associated with poor brain health.
One group was called Porphyromonasoften associated with periodontal disease, and was more common in people with memory impairment than in healthy people.
Second group called Prevotella It was associated with low nitrite, which means lower brain health. Prevotella It was also more common in those carrying APOE4, a gene associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
These findings suggest that some bacteria may play a detrimental role in changes in brain health as people age. We also raise the question of whether or not we can detect very early signs of a decline in brain health as part of future dental checkups using routine tests to measure levels of these bacteria. Masu.
Deep meaning
The meaning of this study is profound. If certain bacteria support brain health and other bacteria contribute to reduction, treatments that change the balance of bacteria in the mouth can become part of the solution to prevent dementia .
Promotes the growth of bacteria that produce nitrites NeisseriaWhile decreasing Prevotella and Porphyromonashelps us to maintain brain function as we age. This can be achieved through dietary changes, probiotics, oral hygiene routines, or even targeted treatments that reshape the microbiota.
Although we are still in the early stages of understanding the complex links between the oral bacteria and the brain, our findings provide strong evidence for further research.
Future research confirms that oral microbiomes play a role in maintaining a healthy brain, and to detect and potentially delay dementia by paying close attention to bacteria in the mouth. It could unlock new possibilities.
In the meantime, the best advice is to keep your teeth clean, look at your dentist regularly, eat plenty of nitrates like lush green vegetables, and continue to supply good bacteria in your mouth. .
Joanna L’HeureuxPostdoctoral Researcher, Public Health and Sports Science, University of Exeter.
This article has been republished conversation Under the Creative Commons license. Please read Original article.
