Alzheimer's disease and peripheral infections: The possible contribution from periodontal infections, model and hypothesis

Angela R. Kamer, Ronald G. Craig, Lidia Glodzik-Sobanska, Ananda Dasanayake, Kumar Raghava Chowdary Annam, Patricia Corby, Miroslow Bry, Malvin N. Janal, Gulivindala Deepthii, Mony J. De Leon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects approximately 5.3 million people in the U.S. and this number will increase as the population ages and the life-span increases. Therefore, of paramount importance is identifying mechanisms and factors that affect the risk of developing AD. The etiology and pathogenic mechanisms for AD have not been defined, although inflammation within the brain is thought to play a significant role. Consistent with this hypothesis, studies suggest that peripheral inflammations, dysbiotic conditions, and infections contribute to the inflammatory state of the brain and may constitute risks for AD. Recently, several peripheral conditions with an inflammatory basis such as diabetes and obesity have been recognized as risks for AD. Periodontitis is a prevalent, chronic peripheral polymicrobial disease associated with gram negative, anaerobic bacteria, which exhibits significant localized and systemic inflammatory effects. This review will present evidence suggesting that periodontal disease may also be a risk factor for AD and possible mechanistic links between periodontitis related inflammation and AD. It will review the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the mechanisms by which periodontal infections may affect the onset and progression of AD. Periodontitis is a treatable condition and may be a readily modifiable risk factor for AD. Therefore, further studies including intervention trials are warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Infection and Alzheimer's Disease
PublisherIOS Press
Pages163-181
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781614997061
ISBN (Print)9781614997054
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 10 2017

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Cytokines
  • Dysbiosis
  • Inflammation
  • Periodontal bacteria
  • Periodontitis
  • Peripheral infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

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