Alzheimer’s May Begin in the Mouth — Even Without Teeth
By Amy Varshock, LD
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to harmful oral bacteria, even in individuals without natural teeth. One organism, Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly linked with periodontal disease, has been identified in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Its toxic enzymes are related to inflammation and damage to neural tissue.
Animal studies demonstrate that oral infection with this bacterium can trigger Alzheimer’s-like changes in the brain. When the infection was treated, inflammation decreased, and brain cell survival improved, supporting a potential connection between oral health and cognitive decline. Importantly, the absence of teeth does not eliminate this risk. Harmful oral bacteria may persist on oral tissues, saliva, and denture surfaces. This organism has also been linked to aspiration pneumonia (a type of lung infection), showing the impact it can have on the whole body.
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