United States: Experts have drawn a link between mouth bacteria in humans, which can affect brain functionality during aging processes.
University of Exeter researchers conducted a breakthrough study that identified particular types of bacteria that enhance memory abilities and attention but also create links to Alzheimer’s disease and poor brain conditions.
More about the breakthrough finding
According to the lead author Dr Joanna L’Heureux, “We might be able to predict if you have the Alzheimer’s gene even before you start getting problems or think about going to the doctor for a diagnosis,” BBC News reported.
Research at its early stage shows that scientists are investigating whether particular healthy foods containing nitrates, such as leafy greens, can boost particular bacterial populations, which would benefit brain health.
“The implication of our research is profound,” stated the co-author Prof Anne Corbett.
“If certain bacteria support brain function while others contribute to the decline, then treatments that alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth could be part of a solution to prevent dementia,” she added.
“This could be through dietary changes, probiotics, oral hygiene routines, or even targeted treatments,” BBC News reported.
How was the conclusion made?
A total of 115 participants older than 50 joined the study because they had previously completed a cognitive test project.
Scientists divided volunteers into two distinct groups based on their mental performance, which was either excellent or moderately adverse.
Researchers assessed bacterial populations in samples from both research groups that had provided their mouth rinse products.
The university reported that volunteers exhibited better brain performance when they presented higher levels of both bacteria groups, Neisseria and Haemophilus.
Dr. L’Heureux discovered higher numbers of Porphyromonas bacteria while analyzing people with memory difficulties.
The existence of low nitrite in participants was linked to the bacterial group Prevotella, according to her research findings, yet this condition mostly occurred in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease risk genes.
“We would recommend you have things like beetroot, leafy greens like spinach, rocket, lettuces, and lots of salads, and reduce consumption of things like alcohol and highly processed sugary foods,” Dr L’Heureux added.
The nitrates in leafy greens represent among the primary nutritional sources of this mineral in nature.
Furthermore, as the associate pro-vice chancellor for research and impact at the university, Prof Anni Vanhatalo stated, “In the future, we could collect these [mouth] samples as part of GP appointments and get them processed to give an early indication if someone is at elevated risk.”