New research suggests a potential link between a common gut bacteria, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, the study focused on individuals aged 50 and older, examining data from over 4 million adults in the UK between 1988 and 2019. The research revealed that those with a symptomatic H. pylori infection faced an 11% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. Although Alzheimer’s has a multifaceted origin, these findings contribute to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the potential role of infections, particularly H. pylori, in its development.
The study suggests promising avenues for future research, specifically investigating whether eradicating this common gut bacterium could effectively prevent Alzheimer’s disease in certain individuals. While acknowledging that the causes of Alzheimer’s are complex, this research highlights the significance of exploring the role of infections, such as H. pylori, in the quest to better understand and potentially mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Considering the global impact of Alzheimer’s disease and the expected increase in cases due to shifting demographics, this study underscores the urgency of further research to explore potential preventive measures and interventions, potentially opening new avenues for managing and reducing the prevalence of this debilitating condition.
“Given the global ageing population, dementia numbers are expected to triple in the next 40 years. However, there remains a lack of effective treatment options for this disease,” stated Dr Paul Brassard, the study’s senior author and a Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine.
“We hope the findings from this investigation will provide insight on the potential role of H pylori in dementia to inform the development of prevention strategies, such as individualized eradication programmes, to reduce infections at the population level,” stated Dr Brassard, a public health and preventive medicine physician at the McGill University Health Centre.
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