The cause of Alzheimer’s could be bacterial
Not only does genetics play a role in Alzheimer’s.
According to recent studies, in fact, a bacterium that is the main cause of gum disease, P. gingivalis, could also be the cause of Alzheimer’s. A group of scientists has come up with an interesting theory, based on research carried out on samples from healthy people and samples from people suffering from this terrible disease.
According to this theory, amyloid plaques are a defense of the brain from attack by certain bacteria.
A way to counteract a bacterial infection that is considered dangerous by our body, but which, consequently, also kills neurons, causing dementia. The link between Alzheimer’s and gum bacterium is explained by the fact that dental plaques with consequent erosion of the gum wall or frequent injuries to the gums caused by incorrect use of the toothbrush lead to the penetration of the bacterium into the blood. P. Gingivalis would attack white blood cells, causing systemic inflammation. At the same time, this bacterium would fragment a key protein in the development of Alzheimer’s, ApoE, releasing an amino acid that would cause neural degeneration.
Those who have poor dental cleaning, and in particular often have inflamed gums, therefore have a greater risk of Alzheimer’s. To this risk is added the genetic variant: those who produce a type of ApoE in a variant called ApoE4 have a greater risk of neural degeneration.
Scientists believe that treatment with Cortexyme, a drug used for Alzheimer’s that also blocks the effects of the bacterium P. Gingivalis, may be the most suitable treatment for halting or slowing the outcome of the disease.
Those with inflamed gum problems can use a few drops of Tea Tree oil after cleaning the oral cavity.
It is essential to brush your teeth without attacking the gums immediately after eating.
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