Oral bacteria could signify cognitive decline

Researchers may have uncovered the association between the oral microbiome and cognitive function.

In a study published in PNAS Nexus, the researchers analyzed the potential correlation between the oral microbiome, nitric oxide biomarkers and cognitive decline among 120 participants who presented with mild cognitive impairment or no cognitive impairment. They then compared the oral microbiomes of a subgroup of 35 participants who either had or didn’t have the APOE4 gene variant — a previously identified risk factor for age-related cognitive decline.

The researchers discovered that a higher prevalence of Neisseria bacteria was linked to greater executive function and visual attention among the participants with mild cognitive impairment and working memory among those with no cognitive impairment. Further, participants with mild cognitive impairment who had a greater abundance of Haemophilus and Haemophilus parainfluenzae bacteria in combination with Neisseria bacteria were more likely to achieve higher executive function scores. Porphyromonas and Prevotella intermedia bacteria were found to be predictive of mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 status, respectively. The researchers reported no statistically significant differences in oral nitrate and nitrite concentrations between the mild and no cognitive impairment groups.

The findings suggested that patients with mild cognitive impairment who exhibited a higher population of P. intermedia in their oral microbiomes may be more likely to develop dementia. The researchers emphasized the need for novel interventions aimed at mitigating the risk of cognitive decline by promoting oral Haemophilus and Neisseria as well as minimize Prevotella bacteria.

Read more: PNAS Nexus

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.