New research from New York University has revealed a possible connection between gum bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease. In a sample of almost 50 healthy adults aged 65 or older, there was less amyloid beta (a bad thing) in the cerebrospinal fluid when there was more unhealthy bacteria than healthy bacteria in the gums. Lower levels of amyloid beta in the spinal fluid (a bad thing) means that there are higher levels of amyloid beta in the brain (also a bad thing), which is a key biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. This adds to the evidence linking gum disease, gum bacteria, and Alzheimer’s disease! So, although we don’t know the direction of the causal link, these findings suggest the importance of to taking care of your teeth to prevent Alzheimer’s disease – brush and floss regularly! You can read the original research paper here.
Taking care of your mouth may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease – the same could be said for taking care of your body. You could help researchers explore how physical activity impacts the brain in individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s!