Gum Disease - the Root Cause of AD?

We are in EXCITING times.

• It is quite possible that we may now know a cause of AD.
• It is quite possible that we may have finally found an effective treatment.

A research paper* published just a few days ago reveals the bacteria, P. gingivali, which causes gingivitis of the gums, may be a cause of AD. Furthermore, it suggests that treating and/or preventing P. gingivali infections may very well reverse or prevent AD.

The findings include that P. gingivali is found in the associated parts of the brain of people who have AD. A toxin secreted by the bacteria (gingipain) is present in the amyloid and tau plaques associated with AD. This toxin destroys neurons (nerve cells) and causes protein damage. It is proposed that chronic, low-level inflammation of the brain caused by P. gingivali can lead to brain changes that cause AD. 

The article points out that "P. gingivalis is mainly found during gingival and periodontal infections; however, it can also be found at low levels in 25% of healthy individuals with no oral disease. Transient bacteremia of P. gingivalis can occur during common activities such as brushing, flossing, and chewing, as well as during dental procedures". Bacteremia is when bacteria get in the bloodstream, which explains how it can settle in brains. The bacteria has also been found in the spinal fluid of AD patients.

Antibiotics were used to control P. gingivali but were not as effective as a new drug that blocks the effects of the gingipain toxin. While much of the research was done on mice, the new drug is now being given to humans in a limited, controlled study. Preliminary results show the drug is safe and is already starting to improve AD. If all goes well a vaccine may eventually become available.

A key finding was that the presence of P. gingivali was not the result of AD, but rather could be the cause.

*Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidencefor disease causation and treatment with small molecule inhibitors. Stephen S.Dominy et. al. Science Advances 23 Jan 2019: Vol. 5, no. 1, eaau3333 DOI:10.1126/sciadv.aau3333

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