Poor oral hygiene linked to increased Alzheimer's risk

Research suggests that poor oral hygiene and the proliferation of the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis may be biological risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. This pathogen, commonly associated with chronic periodontitis, has the ability to breach the blood-brain barrier and release destructive toxins into brain tissue.

Studies have found the presence of P. gingivalis in more than 90% of analyzed brains of Alzheimer's patients. The toxins produced by the bacteria are linked to neuronal damage markers, such as the tau protein. Furthermore, the brain may accumulate amyloid plaques as a defensive response to contain the bacterial invasion.

Because oral infection can trigger systemic chronic inflammation and accelerate cognitive decline, maintaining consistent dental hygiene is identified as a modifiable risk factor that could help reduce bacterial load and protect the nervous system.