Analysis of post-mortem with and without dementia has found lipopolysaccharide, a component of an oral bacterium (Porphyromonas gingivalis), in four out of 10 Alzheimer’s disease brain samples, but not in any of the 10 brains of people who didn’t have Alzheimer’s.
Gingivitis is extremely common, and about 64% of American seniors (65+) have moderate or severe periodontal disease.
The finding adds to evidence linking gum disease and Alzheimer’s.