Study Links Gum Disease-causing Bacteria To Alzheimer's

Researchers say they've found more evidence linking bacteria found in a common type of gum disease to dementia. A new study, published in the journal Science Advances, found a key pathogen associated with chronic periodontal disease in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

The study authors say these results, plus additional testing in mice, provide "solid evidence" of a link between the two diseases and may offer a potential new way to treat Alzheimer's. The devastating illness affects 47 million people worldwide, and there is no cure.

However, Alzheimer's experts not involved in the research caution that it is too early to tell how strong this association is, or whether it could lead to effective treatments.

What the new study found

Scientists from Cortexyme, Inc., a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, analyzed the brain tissues of patients with Alzheimer's disease and found evidence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacteria associated with gum disease.

Further tests in mice found that this bacteria could travel from the mouth to the brain and increased production of amyloid beta, a protein strongly associated with Alzheimer's.

In addition to the Porphyromonas gingivalis, the researchers found toxic enzymes produced by the bacteria called gingipains in the neurons of patients with Alzheimer's. Higher levels gingipain were associated with tau and ubiquitin, two other proteins involved in the development of Alzheimer's. 

The team also tested drugs in mice aimed at clearing the harmful bacteria and blocking its toxic enzymes. In these lab experiments, scientists were able to reduce the number of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in the infected brains, block the production of toxic proteins, and halt degeneration in the brain.

The researchers hope this will provide the basis for developing a new therapy that could one day treat humans in a similar way.

"The findings of this study offer evidence that P. gingivalis and gingipains in the brain play a central role in the pathogenesis [development] of AD [Alzheimer's disease], providing a new conceptual framework for disease treatment," the study authors write. Research on infections and Alzheimer's disease

 This is not the first study to show a relationship between gum disease and Alzheimer's.

A 2017 study out of Taiwan found that people with chronic gum disease lasting 10 years had a 70 percent increased risk for developing Alzheimer's. Another small study published in 2016 in the journal PLOS ONE found gum disease was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline in people with mild to moderate dementia.

Other research has looked at whether various bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may play a role in Alzheimer's, but there is currently not enough evidence to say.

"The idea that bacteria and viruses may play a part in brain disease like Alzheimer's is not necessarily new," Rebecca Edelmayer, Ph.D., director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer's Association, told CBS News. "But what this paper suggests is really an association and not causation and that should be very clearly emphasized when we're talking about studies like this. More research is needed to really identify a causative role for microbes."

In other words, it's unknown whether gum disease increases the risk of Alzheimer's or if people with dementia have an increased risk of gum disease because of poor oral care.

Edelmayer also cautions not to put too much weight on drugs tested in mice. "It really will be important to see how this plays out in human randomized controlled trials, which is the gold standard for understanding whether a therapeutic targeting something like the P. gingivalis mechanism would actually be effective," she said.

Could good oral care help prevent Alzheimer's?

While taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of healthy aging, Edelmayer says it's too early to say if those steps could help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Of course, there are many factors that go into someone's individual risk of developing dementia. The Alzheimer's Association has a campaign called "10 Ways to Love Your Brain" to help people lower their risk.

"We think a lot about things like diet, exercise, a good management of cardiovascular health, getting good sleep. All of these things could potentially play a role as a lifestyle intervention for decreasing your risk of developing cognitive decline," Edelmayer said.

Alzheimer's expert shares healthy brain advice

She notes that good oral health could one day fall into one of these categories if there's more evidence to show that gum disease actually increases the risk for developing dementia.

Still, Edelmayer says with so much still unknown about the disease, studies like this are important for gaining a better understanding of Alzheimer's.

"I think the research really reinforces the complexity of Alzheimer's disease," she said. "It highlights the importance of sharing information and experiments and data like this very freely and widely across the research community so this robust discussion about this kind of science takes place

Get Healthy: Make Your Favorite Foods Healthier

After the whirlwind of the holiday season, the season of resolutions takes over. Many people resolve to live healthier, and they may not have to give up their favorite foods to do so.

Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests American adults between the ages of 18 and 49 gain an average of one to two pounds every year. Grazing and overeating tends to increase when the weather cools down. A 2005 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, in the fall, people tend to consume more calories, total fat and saturated fat. In the spring, people seem to prefer more carbohydrates. In addition, less powerful sunshine in winter coupled with people bundling up translates into less vitamin D being absorbed by the body. Some researchers believe there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and weight gain as well.

To ensure that certain foods do not sabotage healthy eating plans, people can employ some easy modifications and make healthier versions of the foods they like to eat.

• Choose crunchy foods. Those who are prone to snacking can reach for noisy foods. These include crunchy items like apples, carrots and pretzels. Scientists say that when people listen to what they are chewing — called the "crunch effect" — they eat less of that item.

• Tone down the cream. Delicious dishes like fettuccine alfredo typically are made with lots of butter and cream. Replace cream sauces with a healthier base made of low-fat milk thickened with flour. Increase the flavor with favorite spices.

• Fry with care. Use healthy oils like olive or coconut sparingly. Many foods that are traditionally fried also can be lightly coated with cooking spray and baked for a crunchy texture.

• Choose sodium-free seasonings. The USCA recommends limiting sodium to less than 1 teaspoon of salt per day. Try options like fresh herbs or lemon juice to add some sodium-free flavor.

• Increase fiber content. Fiber helps one feel fuller longer and can also be helpful for digestion and heart health. Choose the "brown" varieties of rice, pasta and breads.

• Replace meat with leaner forms of protein. Lean chicken, turkey and pork can replace red meats in many recipes. Some traditional meat dishes, such as burgers, also can be modified using vegetables or seafood. Lean meats dry out quickly, so keep foods moist by watching cooking times.

• Stock up on yogurt. Greek and other varieties of yogurt can replace sour cream and mayonnaise in many dishes.

Resolving to eat healthier can be easy by making some simple swaps when preparing your favorite foods.

What You Need To Know Before Starting Popular Ketogenic Diet

In this second of a three-part series on the ketogenic diet (find Part 1 here), I want to start by sharing links to articles where Dr. Mercola explains the benefits of the ketogenic diet.

Studies on the Health Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet John Hopkins University and Keto (They Have Used Keto for 100 Years) Be safe; Be Under a Doctor's Supervision

John Hopkins University carefully monitors those on the keto diet. Here is one comment by a retired medical doctor. "For about a year I was the doctor. who examined persons to be on a ketogenic diet. I found out that we need the potassium check because it can get too low. The company was sued when such a person died because of it."

Patti and Mark take this calcium, magnesium, potassium supplement daily for general health and wellbeing.

Ketogenic Tips

You need a reason: The reasons we choose healthy living are as follows: we believe our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we want to enjoy our grandchildren; we want to celebrate our golden years in vibrant health and not in bed; we see the misery of others who enter their golden years in pain. What is your reason, and do you hold it with enough passion to put in the work to maintain health? I pray so! Look around and say to yourself, "I do not want to be in the health condition of so many that I see."

Our initial period on the ketogenic diet was nine weeks. Now we are experimenting with cycling out of ketosis on some periodic schedule.

Restricting food intake to two meals a day, within a six- to seven-hour window (12:00 and 6:00 works for us). This is called intermittent fasting and has many proven health benefits. Lower calories also seems wise to us. We are averaging about 1400 calories a day, which is about one-third less than we used to eat. Since the ketogenic diet removes food cravings, not eating till noon is no problem.

We sure love keto (bulletproof) coffee first thing in the morning. Just so you know, studies show drinking coffee extends your life. This holds us till noon.

We have a cup of green tea daily which has many proven health benefits.

To lose weight, you need stay in ketosis: Keep healthy fats high (70 percent), healthy carbs to 5 percent (20 - 30 grams net carb) and protein consumption low (25 percent). Keep in mind when calculating this that 1 gram of fat = 8.9 calories, while 1 gram of carbs or protein = 4 calories.

We have chosen to avoid soy for the reasons mentioned in this linked article.

Products and Steps of Action

We add 1 or 2 tablespoons of MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) into one or two drinks each day to help insure we stay in ketosis (lunch smoothie and morning keto coffee). For our keto coffee, we add to regular coffee one tablespoon of MCT oil, one tablespoon of butter and 2 squirts of Stevia and whip it up nicely in a blender. It is truly delicious and we muscle test strong for it, meaning it is healthy for our bodies! Be cautious of taking too much MCT as it can cause loose stools. Your body gets used to it, so maybe one tablespoon for a week, then try going to two. MCT oil has many health benefits listed here and here. Here is an excellent article detailing the science showing the fascinating health benefits of MCT oil. Drinking this first thing in the morning ensures we stay in ketosis for the day and totally wipes out our craving for food. Can I say awesome?

We check to ensure we are staying in ketosis by using ketone test strips.

When in ketosis, you may not have the same muscle strength. I found I could not do as many push-ups as I was doing. Same will be true with weight training.

You need to keep your electrolytes high. The ketogenic diet tends to lower electrolytes in your body so you need to take some steps. Blogs which discuss appropriate steps are here, here, here, and here. We take a calcium, magnesium, potassium supplement. It has been advised that if on the ketogenic diet, you supplement with pure methylation or get a very high-quality B-complex supplement. 

Mark Virkler, Ph.D., has authored more than 50 books in the areas of hearing God's voice and spiritual growth. He is the founder of Communion With God Ministries and Christian Leadership University (cluonline.com), where the voice of God is at the center of every learning experience. Mark has taught on developing intimacy with God and spiritual healing for 30-plus years on six continents. The message has been translated into over 40 languages, and he has helped to establish more than 250 church-centered Bible schools around the world.

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This article originally appeared at cwgministries.org.

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Sweeteners Are NOT Healthier Than Sugar:

Sweeteners are NOT healthier than sugar: Scientists claim there is 'no evidence' of any benefits and harms can't be ruled out

Research led by the University of Freiburg analysed 56 studies of sweeteners

It found no significant differences in the health of sugar and sweetener users 

Experts say they were not surprised by the findings but say sugar is still worse 

The international research was published in the British Medical Journal 

By Sam Blanchard Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: 18:30 EST, 2 January 2019 | Updated: 18:32 EST, 2 January 2019

Artificial sweeteners are no healthier than real sugar and may even be harmful, a study has claimed. 

Sugar-free alternatives, such as Splenda and Stevia, have become more popular amid growing concerns about eating healthily.

However, there is 'no evidence' of the health benefits of the sweeteners when compared to sugar, according to researchers.

A review of 56 studies on sweeteners found no significant differences in people's weight, blood sugar or oral health when compared with people who eat sugar.

But experts have called the findings 'not surprising' and said sweeteners were still a healthier choice than sugar.

Sweeteners have gained popularity as an alternative to sugar as people become more conscious of eating and drinking healthily, but may not be all they're cracked up to be

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, compared the health of people who used non-sugar sweeteners with those who didn't.

It found slightly lower levels of weight gain, lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and blood sugar levels among sweetener users, but said the evidence was weak. 

'No evidence was seen for health benefits from non-sugar sweeteners and potential harms could not be excluded,' said lead researcher Dr Joerg Meerpohl. 

'For most outcomes, there seemed to be no statistically or clinically relevant difference between intake versus no intake, or between different doses of non-sugar sweeteners.' 

The sweetener aspartame has been linked to cancer and liver damage in the past but research is thin on the ground and it has been declared safe to eat by the EU.

Other sweeteners including saccharin and sucralose have had similar concerns raised and researchers in this new study say harmful effects could not be ruled out.

The research, done by scientists from across Europe and led by Dr Meerpohl, from Germany's University of Frieburg, is the most comprehensive of its kind.

As well as weight and oral health it also considered people's risk of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease and effects on their mood and behaviour.

HOW MUCH SUGAR IS TOO MUCH? 

The amount of sugar a person should eat in a day depends on how old they are.

Children aged four to six years old should be limited to a maximum of 19 grams per day.

Seven to 10-year-olds should have no more than 24 grams, and children aged 11 and over should have 30g or less.  

Popular snacks contain a surprising amount of sugar and even a single can of Coca Cola (35g of sugar) or one Mars bar (33g) contains more than the maximum amount of sugar a child should have over a whole day.  

A bowl of Frosties contains 24g of sugar, meaning a 10-year-old who has Frosties for breakfast has probably reached their limit for the day before they even leave the house.  

Children who eat too much sugar risk damaging their teeth, putting on fat and becoming overweight, and getting type 2 diabetes which increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Source: NHS 

But experts haven't been moved by the findings.

King's College London's Professor Tom Sanders said: 'The findings of this study are not surprising and confirm the view that artificial sweeteners are not a magic bullet to prevent obesity.

'Replacement of sugary drinks with artificial sweeteners helps prevent weight gain in children but is not superior to the preferred alternative – water.'

And Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow, added: 'This paper does not change my mind.

'Non-sugar sweeteners remain far better than sugar sweetened beverages given lack of calories in the former, and the well-known harms of the latter including in particular on dental health.'

The scientists admitted the evidence in many of the studies was low quality so more in-depth long-term research is needed.

In a BMJ editorial alongside the study, Harvard University's Vasanti Malik maintained sweeteners could be healthier than sugar when it comes to soft drinks.

She said: 'Based on existing evidence, use of non-sugar sweeteners as a replacement for free sugars, particularly in sugar sweetened drinks, could be a helpful strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk [chances of having diabetes, heart disease or stroke] among heavy consumers, with the ultimate goal of switching to water or other healthy drinks.

'Policies and recommendations will need updating regularly, as more evidence emerges to ensure that the best available data is used to inform the important public health debate on sugar and its alternatives.' 

The research comes as public health officials in the UK have warned they will call for more taxes on sugary foods if companies don't reduce amounts in their food.

The chief nutritionist at Public Health England, Dr Alison Tedstone, this week called for a 'pudding tax' to force companies to cut sugar levels or make customers pay.