Study links immune response to common mouth bacteria to Alzheimer's

Washington, July 29 : A new study by New York University researchers has established a link between the body's immune response to a common mouth bacteria and Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Angela R Kamer, an Assistant Professor at the university's College of Dentistry, the finding was made while the research team was investigating the link between Alzheimer's disease and a heightened inflammatory-immune response.

The researcher said twice as many subjects with probable Alzheimer's disease tested positive for antibodies in their plasma against a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the mouth.

According to Dr. Kamer, the pioneering study supports a growing body of evidence that associates notable immune changes with a means of predicting and classifying Alzheimer's disease.

While making a presentation on their findings at the ongoing Alzheimer's Association 2008 International Conference, which ends on July 31 in Chicago, Dr. Kamer said that together with other immune markers associated with Alzheimer's disease, antibodies to these periodontal bacteria could serve to better understand the causes and mechanisms of the disease.

ANI