Recent research has found a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The link is due to a specific type of bacteria – named Fusobacterium nucleatum. The study suggests this type of bacteria is very bad for us. Because of the outcome of this research, there are several oral health implications.
Recent research has found that a common type of bacteria may be the main factor behind the link between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
The name of the bacteria is Fusobacterium Nucleatum (F. Nucleatum). When a person has gum disease, F. Nucleatum spreads rapidly. It affects the gums and jawbone – and can eventually result in tooth loss.
Researchers have studied F. Nucleatum for a while, but the most recent research is a troubling case – with the theory now that there is a direct link between oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Background
Gum disease is one of the most common conditions around the world. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, and can cause pain, receding gums and bone problems.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a condition that is based around a steep cognitive decline, which can greatly impact a person’s life. Research shows that approximately 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have Alzheimer’s Disease [1].
There are countless types of bacteria. Many are unfortunately bad for us – including F. Nucleatum. Bacteria can combine with acid and sugar to cause tooth decay, and is also linked to gum disease.
F. Nucleatum is seen as an especially bad bacteria. For example, past research has shown that F. Nucleatum is linked to conditions like Colorectal Cancer and the premature delivery of babies [2].
The Research
The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience [3]. It was completed by scientists at Tufts University, Massachusetts.
The researchers sought to see the impact F. Nucleatum had on gum disease, and to see if it could be connected to Alzheimer’s Disease [3]. To achieve this, the researchers induced several mice with F. Nucleatum, before tracking the development of the bacteria.
The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in an abnormally-rapid spread of microglial cells – which are immune cells in the brain that are usually responsible for removing damaged neurons and infections whilst helping to maintain the general health of the central nervous system [3].
However, this over-supply of microglial cells resulted in an increased inflammatory response [3]. This was the worrying part for researchers – who mentioned that chronic inflammation is already known to be a key factor in the cognitive decline that occurs in those with Alzheimer’s Disease [3].
The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in the mice having poorer memory and thinking skills [3]. While the researchers emphasized that they weren’t saying F. Nucleatum directly causes Alzheimer’s Disease, they did mention the impact that oral health plays in this sequence [3].
As gum disease is worsened by exposure to F. Nucleatum, for those that suffer, there is an increased risk that their inflammation will worsen – resulting in a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease [3].
What this means
The findings of this research are worrying. But the research does show how important looking after our mouth is. By having excellent oral hygiene, we are able to clean our mouth, and keep bacteria at bay.
The researchers suggested that treating gum disease in those who have early stage Alzheimer’s Disease could potentially slow the progression of the cognitive condition [3].
Jake Chen – a Professor of Periodontology at Tufts University – led the study [4]. He commented on the findings. He said that “testing for bacterial load and degree of symptoms could one day become a way to measure the effects of F. Nucleatum and manage treatment to slow progression of both periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s” [4].
Moreover, Chen’s team spoke about potentially looking at drug targets that could target the inflammation caused by F. Nucleatum. By doing so, Chen believes it will be possible to slow the spread and progression of both gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].
Chen’s laboratory have designed a small molecule called adipoAI, which has anti-inflammatory properties [4]. Chen aims to complete a study which will determine what impact this molecule could have on gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].
Moreover, past research is also relevant here. Previous research found that adults with missing teeth (commonly caused by gum disease) had a 1.48 times higher chance of cognitive impairment than the general population [5].
Hopefully, the research will show more people the importance of looking after their mouth. Oral health is crucial, and by taking care of our oral health, it can be excellent for our physical health too.
Thinking points…
1) Gum disease is a very damaging condition, but crucially, it is avoidable! One of the worst elements of gum disease is that many people do not realise they have the condition. Early detection is very important. The easiest way to see if you have gum disease is to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up – your dentist will be able to give you an overview of your overall oral health. Therefore, we recommend you book an appointment now!
2) Do you know anyone with Alzheimer’s Disease? The findings of this article are especially important for those in the early stages of the condition – as good oral healthcare does appear to be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Therefore, consider showing them this article, and urge them to visit their local dentist for a check-up. It could help them hugely!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.
We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.
It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] NHS Choices. (2021). Alzheimer’s Disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.
[2] Meng, Q., Gao, Q., Mehrazarin, S., Tangwanichgapong, K., Wang, Y., Huang, Y., Pan, Y., Robinson, S., Liu, Z., Zangiabadi, A., Lux, R., Papapanou, P. N., Guo, E., Wang, H., Berchowitz, L. E., & Han, Y. W. (2021). Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity. EMBO Reports. 22 (e52891). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202152891.
[3] Wu, H., Qiu, W., Zhu, X., Li, X., Xie, Z., Carreras, I., Dedeoglu, A., Van Dyke, T., Han, Y. W., Karimbux, N., Tu, Q., Cheng, L., & Chen, J. (2022). The Periodontal Pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum Exacerbates Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis via Specific Pathways. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 14 (912709). DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.912709.
[4] Tufts University. (2022). Studying the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-link-gum-disease-alzheimer.html. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.
[5] Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B. L., & Wu, B. (2021). Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009.
