by BBC South West Health Correspondent
BBCCertain bacteria found in people’s mouth can be linked to changes in brain function as you get older, experts have said.
The studyLed by the University of Exeter, thought that certain types of bacteria were associated with better memory and attention, while others were linked to poor brain health and Alzheimer’s disease.
Main author Dr. Joanna l’Heureeux said: “We may be able to predict whether you have the Alzheimer’s gene, even before you start getting problems or think of going to the doctor for a diagnosis.”
The research is at an early stage, but the leads of the study say that they are now investigating whether eating certain healthy foods, such as nitrate -rich leafy vegetables, can influence the health of the brain by stimulating certain bacteria.
Co-author Prof Anne Corbett said: “The implication of our research is in-depth.”
She said: “If certain bacteria support brain function, while others contribute to decrease, then treatments that change the balance of bacteria in the mouth can be part of a solution to prevent dementia.
“This can be due to food changes, probiotics, routines for oral hygiene or even targeted treatments.”
The study recruited 115 volunteers, older than 50, who had already conducted cognitive tests as part of another project.
They split researchers into two groups – those who have no problems with the deterioration of their brain function and people with a number of mild cognitive problems.
The participants in both groups sent in mouthwash samples who were then analyzed and the bacterial populations studied.
The university said that people who had a large number of bacterial groups Neisseria And Hemophilus Had better memory, attention and ability to perform complex tasks.
Dr. L’Heureux said, however, that she found larger levels of the bacteria, PorphyromonasFor people with memory problems.
While, she said, the bacteria group Prevotella Was linked to low nitrite, which occurred more often in people who carried the Alzheimer’s risic ocony of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. L’Heureeux said: “We would advise you to have things like beet. Leafy vegetables such as spinach, rocket, tel, many salads and reducing consumption of things such as alcohol and highly processed sugary foods.”
Leafy vegetables are some of the Largest natural sources of nitrates.
Prof Anni Vanhatalo, associated Pro-Vice Chancellor for research and impact at the university, said: “In the future we were able to collect it [mouth] Samples as part of general practitioners agreements and she processes to give an early indication if someone runs an increased risk. ”
