Dementia risk could one day be assessed during a trip to the dentist after scientists uncovered new evidence that mouth bacteria is linked to changes in brain function.
University of Exeter researchers found certain bacteria were linked to better memory and attention, while others appeared to increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers said harmful bacteria may impact brain health when they enter the bloodstream, or an imbalance of bacteria could reduce the conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide.
The chemical plays a crucial role in brain communication and memory formation.
Study leader Dr Joanna L’Heureux, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “Our findings suggest that some bacteria might be detrimental to brain health as people age.
“It raises an interesting idea for performing routine tests as part of dental checkups to measure bacterial levels and detect very early signs of declining brain health.”
The study recruited 110 people aged 50 and over, who were split into two groups depending on whether they showed any signs of mild cognitive impairment, which is often a precursor to dementia.
People who had large numbers of the bacteria groups Neisseria and Haemophilus had better memory, attention and ability to do complex tasks, as well as higher levels of nitrite in their mouths.
On the other hand, greater levels of the bacteria, Porphyromonas, was more common in individuals with memory problems. And the bacterial group Prevotella was linked to low nitrite.
Study co-author Professor Anne Corbett said the findings, published in the journal PNAS Nexus, could also lead to new treatment avenues.
“The implication of our research is profound,” she said. “If certain bacteria support brain function while others contribute to decline, then treatments that alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth could be part of a solution to prevent dementia.
“This could be through dietary changes, probiotics, oral hygiene routines, or even targeted treatments.”
The study was supported by Wellcome and part funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Exeter Biomedical Research Centre.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
