Latest news with #JoannaL'Heureux
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Oral Health Could Shape Cognitive Decline, and Ways to Improve It
'Maintaining good oral hygiene, addressing dental issues early, and supporting a healthy oral microbiome may influence brain health more than we ever realized,' Joanna L'Heureux, a researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School, told The Epoch Times. The oral microbiome—the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our mouths—can influence brain health in multiple ways. Some microbial species are linked to better memory and focus, while others have been tied to cognitive decline and genetic risk factors for dementia. Simple, inexpensive habits like brushing, flossing, and even what we eat can help tip the balance in our favor. The Link to Cognitive Health When oral health is compromised, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums after chewing or brushing. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria, A healthy immune system typically clears bacteria out, but older adults with weakened immunity may struggle to eliminate harmful bacteria. Over time, bacteria and inflammation can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, leading to neuroinflammation, the buildup of toxic proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, and changes in blood vessels—all of which are Another way oral health appears to influence brain function is through the nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Beneficial oral bacteria help convert dietary nitrate into nitrite, which the body then turns into nitric oxide—a molecule essential for blood flow, nerve signaling, immune defense, and memory. As we age, the body naturally produces less nitric oxide, which may contribute to cognitive decline. Related Stories 9/23/2024 4/27/2025 A January This raises the possibility that early changes in the oral microbiome could act as warning signs for cognitive decline—and an opportunity to intervene before symptoms begin, said L'Heureux, one of the study's researchers. Early Signs How can you tell if your oral bacteria might be affecting your brain? There are a few red flags to watch for, Angel Planells, registered dietitian nutritionist, told The Epoch Times. Chronic gum issues—like gingivitis or periodontitis—persistent bad breath, bleeding or receding gums, and frequent mouth infections can all signal an imbalance in the oral microbiome. These are signs that harmful bacteria may be taking over. Some dentists and specialty labs now offer oral microbiome testing, which can detect overgrowths of these harmful microbes, he added. Specific patterns in oral bacteria, such as higher levels of Prevotella intermedia, might also serve as early warning signs for dementia risk. A 2020 Finally, subtle, unexplained cognitive changes like memory lapses or brain fog, paired with poor oral health hint at a deeper connection, Planells said. How to Support a Healthier Oral Microbiome 'Targeting the oral microbiome could be a promising way to help prevent cognitive decline,' L'Heureux said. That starts with good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups go a long way toward keeping harmful bacteria in check, she said. A 2020 Diet matters, too. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbs can reduce the fuel that harmful bacteria thrive on, Planells said. At the same time, loading up on fibrous fruits and vegetables helps sweep away oral plaque and feeds the beneficial bugs. Leafy greens and beets, which are high in dietary nitrates, may be especially helpful. These foods support the growth of helpful bacteria that boost nitric oxide, L'Heureux said. Polyphenol-rich foods like berries, green tea, and dark chocolate can help suppress harmful bacteria, Planells said. And don't forget fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. While they benefit the gut microbiome, they may also indirectly support the oral microbiome by enhancing immune function and microbial diversity. Planells also recommends staying well-hydrated to keep saliva flowing, since it contains natural antimicrobial compounds. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which can disrupt the microbiome. Managing stress and getting enough restorative sleep are also key, as both impact immunity and oral health. 'And remember, not all bacteria are bad,' Planells said. 'A healthy oral microbiome is diverse. Using mouthwashes with strong antiseptics, alcohol, or harsh chemicals can wipe out both the good and bad bacteria, disrupting that balance.' What About Genes? Is it all about oral hygiene and bacteria, or do our genes have a say too? L'Heureux's study found that people with mild cognitive impairment who carried the APOE4 gene had higher levels of harmful oral bacteria linked to dementia. 'Our genes might play a role in shaping which bacteria thrive in our mouths, and that, in turn, could influence brain health,' L'Heureux said. It's still unclear whether APOE4 directly alters the mouth's environment or whether it's part of a broader genetic influence on the microbiome, she added.
BBC News
17-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Mouth bacteria 'may indicate future brain health'
Certain bacteria found in people's mouths may be linked to changes in brain function as you age, experts have study, led by the University of Exeter, found certain types of bacteria were associated with better memory and attention, while others were linked to poor brain health and Alzheimer's author Dr Joanna L'Heureux said: "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."The research is in early stages but study leads say they are now investigating whether eating certain healthy foods, such as nitrate-rich leafy greens, can influence brain health by boosting certain bacteria. Co-author Prof Anne Corbett said: "The implication of our research is profound."She said: "If certain bacteria support brain function while others contribute to decline, then treatments that alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth could be part of a solution to prevent dementia. "This could be through dietary changes, probiotics, oral hygiene routines, or even targeted treatments."The study recruited 115 volunteers, over the age of 50, who had already carried out cognitive tests as part of another split them into two groups - those with no issues with their brain function decline and those with some mild cognitive problems. The participants in both groups sent in mouth rinse samples that were then analysed and the bacteria populations studied. The university said people who had large numbers of the bacteria groups Neisseria and Haemophilus had better memory, attention and ability to do complex tasks. However, Dr L'Heureux said she found greater levels of the bacteria, Porphyromonas, in individuals with memory she said, the bacterial group Prevotella was linked to low nitrite, which was more common in people that carried the Alzheimer's disease risk L'Heureux said: "We would recommend you have things like beetroot. leafy greens like spinach, rocket, lettuces, lots of salads and reduce consumption of things like alcohol and highly processed sugary foods." Leafy greens are some of the biggest natural sources of nitrates. Prof Anni Vanhatalo, associate pro-vice chancellor for research and impact at the university, said: "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."
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Microbes in Your Mouth May Impact Your Risk of Cognitive Decline
The bacteria living inside your mouth could be influencing more than just the health of your gums and teeth. Your brain might also be impacted by these oral colonizers. In a study of 55 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), those who hosted a relatively high abundance of bacteria from the genus Neisseria in their mouths had better working memory, executive function, and visual attention. Even among 60 people without cognitive decline, when Neisseria dominated the oral microbiome, working memory scores improved. The current study, led by researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK, suggests that by promoting certain bacteria in the mouth we could potentially delay cognitive decline. This could be achieved with probiotics or prebiotics that can boost and feed certain microbial communities in the oral cavity within just weeks. The findings align with other recent studies, which suggest the cause of dementia may be coming from inside the mouth. In recent years, for instance, poor oral health has emerged as a major risk factor for cognitive decline. Scientists have even found some bacteria linked to gum disease in the brains of those who have died from Alzheimer's. Still, not all microbes in the mouth are necessarily harmful to the brain; some could be protective, too. Similar to bacteria in the gut, a nicely balanced microbiome is key. The Neisseria genus includes more than 20 species of bacteria, many of which typically live in the nose and mouth quite peacefully and may even confer health benefits. Recently, studies have found Neisseria bacteria can lower a person's systemic blood pressure by helping to convert nitrate-rich foods (usually vegetables) to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a key signaling molecule in the body, which protects against gum disease and helps control and regulate blood pressure, as well as our cardiovascular response to exercise. It could also help keep the brain healthy. Based on recent evidence, some neuroscientists suspect nitric oxide may protect the central nervous system by boosting neural plasticity and improving the efficiency and power of neural messages. The signaling molecule may even reduce neural inflammation – a central mechanism of Alzheimer's. Intriguingly, people who are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's tend to have trouble naturally producing nitric oxide. In the current study, molecular biologist Joanna L'Heureux and her colleagues found that of 33 participants with MCI who were genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's, many had oral microbiomes dominated by the Prevotella genus and not the Neisseria genus. One species of Prevotella in particular, P. intermedia, was a predictor for an elevated genetic risk for dementia. This suggests it could be used as an early marker of disease risk. In the study, when the Prevotella genus reigned, there was less nitrate available in the mouth to convert to nitric oxide, probably because Prevotella uses the nitrate for other means. Thus, by promoting Neisseria and eradicating Prevotella in the mouth, the authors of the study think they could potentially influence nitric oxide availability, thereby influencing the health of the brain. Nitrate-rich diets, like the Mediterranean diet, are linked to improved brain health, but further research is needed to understand the link between what we put in our mouths, our oral microbiome, and the major signaling molecules produced by those microbes. A 2021 study in healthy older people, for instance, found a correlation between oral microbiomes dominated by Neisseria (and a co-occurring genus, called Haemophilus) and sustained attention, even when the amount of dietary nitrate changed. Other research has linked higher rates of Neisseria to younger age, lower body mass index, fewer teeth with damage, and not smoking. "Collectively, these results indicate that a high relative abundance of bacteria belonging in the Neisseria–Haemophilus module is associated with better cognitive outcomes in individuals with MCI as well as in healthy older people," conclude L'Heureux and her team. The study was published in PNAS Nexus. Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas Is Among Largest on Record in US Scientists Confirm a New Strain of Bird Flu Has Emerged in The US Exercise Doesn't Burn as Many Calories as You Think, Experts Say
