Oral Microbiome and Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer's Disease Overview
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide and posing significant public health challenges [1]. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning (Scheltens et al. 2016). The exact cause of AD remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (Querfurth and LaFerla 2010).
At the cellular level, two hallmark features of AD are the presence of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (Scheltens et al. 2016). Amyloid plaques are primarily composed of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which result from the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases (Querfurth and LaFerla 2010). The accumulation of Aβ peptides is thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD, although the exact mechanisms by which they contribute to neurodegeneration remain under investigation (Ballard et al. 2011).
Increasing evidence suggests that bacteria may play a role in the development of AD. One hypothesis is that certain bacterial infections, particularly those involving the oral cavity, can induce systemic inflammation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to neuroinflammation and the accumulation of amyloid plaques (Querfurth and LaFerla 2010). In fact, some studies have identified specific oral pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, in the brains of AD patients, supporting the potential link between oral microbiome dysbiosis and AD (Scheltens et al. 2016).
Given the significant public health burden of AD, understanding the potential role of bacteria and other factors in its pathogenesis is critical for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies (Ballard et al. 2011). Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between the oral microbiome, systemic inflammation, and neurodegenerative processes in AD and other cognitive disorders.
Alzheimers Disease Overview
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Section 3
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Section 4
Conclusion
References
- ↑ [Ballard, Clive, Serge Gauthier, Anne Corbett, Carol Brayne, Dag Aarsland, and Emma Jones. “Alzheimer’s Disease.” The Lancet 377, no. 9770 (March 19, 2011): 1019–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61349-9.]
Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2023, Kenyon College
