05/08/2025
New research uncovers a disturbing truth: gum disease may be a hidden driver of Alzheimer’s.
Experts warn that maintaining good oral hygiene could be one of the most effective ways to protect your brain—especially concerning for those without dental insurance.
Scientists have identified Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacteria behind chronic gum disease, in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients. In mouse studies, infection with this bacteria led to brain colonization and the buildup of amyloid beta, a key protein linked to Alzheimer’s.
Even more concerning, toxic enzymes from the bacteria were found in people already showing brain changes typical of Alzheimer’s—years before any memory symptoms appeared. This suggests a possible infectious trigger long before the disease becomes visible.
These findings are reshaping how researchers approach Alzheimer’s. A drug called COR388, developed by Cortexyme, has shown early promise in reducing both bacterial presence and amyloid accumulation in animal models. While human trials are still pending, the research is shifting the narrative: Alzheimer’s might not be purely degenerative—it could also involve chronic infection.
With no new dementia treatments approved in over 15 years, the possibility that oral health impacts brain health highlights a surprisingly powerful mouth-brain connection.
Source: Dominy, S.S., et al. (2019). Science Advances, 5(1), eaau333
