Why does Gum Disease cause Alzheimer's Disease?- Alzheimer's 08

Porphyromonas gingivalis, bacteria cause the gum disease.

Tau or neurofibrillary tangles protein is one of landmarks of the Alzheimer's disease. It is abnormal accumulation of protein in the brain cells.

The abnormal conditions of Tau spread from one neuron to another neuron. Their patterns are exactly the same with the spreading of infections.

The researchers, Stephen Dominy and his colleagues, reported that toxic enzymes from the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis were found about 99 and 96 percent of 54 human Alzheimer’s brain samples, that correlated with tau and ubiquitin pathology.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that produces virulence factor that we called gingipains, which is a protein-degrading enzyme. 

Gum infections (Credit: Shutterstock)

There is a wide range of bacteria in our mouth. Porphymonas gingivalis causes the gum disease. The big group of bacteria grow and forming a plaque, and the worse one they release toxins and cause inflammation.

Once the oral cavity is infected by P. gingivalis, they may access the brain through some pathway including cranial nerves, monocytes, endothelial cell in the blood brain barriers.

When P. gingivalis enter the brain, they spread slowly for years and also damage neuron to neuron.

Gum disease or gingivitis is common and preventable. Symptoms include swollen, red, and tender gums. Regular dentist visits are important for gum disease prevention and treatments.

Treatment includes professionally cleaning around teeth to prevent bone damage. Prevention can begin at home by brushing and flossing twice a day.