According to researchers, certain bacteria in the mouth may help slow down cognitive decline, potentially improving memory.
A recent study reveals that the bacteria living in our mouths may play a far more significant role than we previously thought. The researchers behind the study discovered that these microorganisms can also influence the brain.
However, this isn’t about diseases or negative effects. The research suggests that the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth could slow down cognitive decline, potentially fighting conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, and even enhancing our memory.
Dementia’s Possible Link to Oral Health
Over 100 patients participated in the study, with 55 of them experiencing mild cognitive impairment. Those who had a relatively high abundance of Neisseria bacteria in their mouths showed better working memory, executive function, and visual attention.
Even among the 60 participants without cognitive decline, the individuals with a higher presence of these microorganisms displayed superior cognitive abilities.
These findings align with recent research suggesting that the cause of dementia might stem from within the mouth. The study’s results were published in PNAS Nexus.
Bacteria That Can Slow Down Cognitive Decline
The latest research, led by scientists from the University of Exeter in the UK, suggests that by promoting certain bacteria in the mouth, we could slow cognitive decline. This could be achieved through probiotics or prebiotics that boost and feed specific microbial communities in the oral cavity in just a few weeks.
In recent years, poor oral health has emerged as a significant risk factor for cognitive decline. Scientists have even found some bacteria linked to gum disease in the brains of those who died from Alzheimer’s disease.
Positive Impacts of Oral Bacteria on Our Health
Still, not all microorganisms in the mouth are harmful to the brain. The new study reveals that some of them may have positive impacts on our health, similar to the bacteria found in the gut.
The Neisseria genus includes more than 20 species of bacteria, many of which naturally reside in the nose and mouth. They can help lower a person’s blood pressure by converting nitrate-rich foods (mostly vegetables) into nitric oxide. Scientists explain that nitric oxide is a key signaling molecule in the body, which not only protects against gum disease but also helps maintain a healthy brain.
