Study links gum disease-causing bacteria to Alzheimer's
BY ASHLEY WELCH
UPDATED ON: JANUARY 24, 2019 / 7:54 PM / CBS NEWS
Researchers say they've found more evidence linking bacteria found in a common type of gum disease to dementia. A new study, published in the journal Science Advances, found a key pathogen associated with chronic periodontal disease in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
The study authors say these results, plus additional testing in mice, provide "solid evidence" of a link between the two diseases and may offer a potential new way to treat Alzheimer's. The devastating illness affects 47 million people worldwide, and there is no cure.
However, Alzheimer's experts not involved in the research caution that it is too early to tell how strong this association is, or whether it could lead to effective treatments.
What the new study found
Scientists from Cortexyme, Inc., a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, analyzed the brain tissues of patients with Alzheimer's disease and found evidence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacteria associated with gum disease.
More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-links-gum-disease-causing-bacteria-to-alzheimers/