When we think about memory loss, most of us picture a problem that starts in our brains.
It makes sense, after all, that a disease that steals our memories and leaves us unable to process our thoughts would begin in that organ.
But what if I told you that new research is revealing a surprising new possibility — one that could turn conventional ideas on the causes of brain disease on its head?
In fact, you might be shocked to learn that scientists are now showing that dementia could begin in your mouth, not in your brain. And it’s all due to the growth of certain types of bacteria that block the formation of a chemical crucial for brain communication and memory formation, as well as the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain itself.
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The study delved into the oral bacteria of 110 participants over the age of 50, comparing those with youthful brain function to those with signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment.
And what they found was that while certain bacteria in the mouth were associated with better memory and attention, others were linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Specifically, the team determined that:
- Those with large numbers of the bacteria groups Neisseria and Haemophilus had better memory, attention and ability to handle complex tasks. These people also had higher levels of nitrite in their mouths.
- Participants with greater levels of the bacteria, Porphyromonas, were more likely to have memory problems. This bacterium is linked to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease that starts with gingivitis.
- Overgrowth of the mouth by the bacterial group Prevotella, linked to low nitrite levels, was associated with poorer brain health and was more common in people who carry the Alzheimer’s disease risk gene, APOE4. Prevotella is linked to inflammatory conditions, such as gum disease.
According to the researchers, there are two ways these bacteria may destroy brain health…
The first is by directly entering the bloodstream, which can cause brain damage. The second is when an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria reduces the conversion of nitrate (abundant in vegetable-rich diets) to nitrite, which then converts to nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide, also known as NO, is a signaling molecule that relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood and oxygen to flow smoothly throughout the body and reaching the brain to support brain communication and memory formation.
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Increasing NO for better circulation
And one of the things that I recommend to help our bodies create NO on demand is beets. Here’s why…
When we eat foods that contain naturally occurring dietary nitrates, of which beets are packed full, a chemical reaction occurs with the good bacteria or microflora on the tongue. The result is that nitrates are converted to nitrites, and then nitric oxide, which reaches the bloodstream, improving and oxygenating blood flow.
For this reason, beet powders have become very popular. Not only are they easier to prepare (mix with water or juice), but some are fermented to increase bioavailability. That means the conversion process in the mouth is more efficient and may help if your mouth contains any of the bacteria that could interfere with the process.
However, focusing on good dental hygiene to reduce the presence of oral bacteria that reduced nitrite levels in the study should be your very first step.
One word of caution, though, about using mouthwash…
As it kills bacteria that can cause bad breath and dental problems, it also kills the beneficial bacteria that help convert dietary nitrates to NO.
So visit the dentist regularly, brush well, floss, dink the tea that reduces risk for gum disease, and consider oil pulling using olive oil instead of harsh mouthwashes that steal your NO — and potentially your memories.
Sources:
Mouth bacteria may hold insight into your future brain function – EurekAlert!
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