A recent study has explored the connection between tongue bacteria and cognitive performance in younger and older adults. The researchers recruited 60 healthy participants from Exeter, UK, and Brussels, Belgium, with an equal split of 15 younger and 15 older individuals in each location.
Study Design and Findings
Participants underwent cognitive tests assessing memory, attention, reasoning, and reaction time. The team also collected blood pressure readings, blood and saliva samples, and analyzed tongue bacteria using genetic sequencing. The study focused on bacteria involved in converting dietary nitrate into nitrite, which the body uses to produce nitric oxide, a molecule supporting healthy blood flow.
Results showed that age was the most consistent predictor of cognitive performance. Older participants generally scored lower, had slower reaction times, and exhibited lower accuracy in memory, attention, and processing speed tests. However, the link between specific bacteria and cognition was less clear. H. parainfluenzae levels did not differ between age groups, and its association with cognitive performance varied by country and task.
The Mouth-Brain Connection
The study suggests a potential connection between oral bacteria and brain health, possibly through the nitric oxide pathway. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and supports blood flow, essential for brain health. Changes in the oral microbiome might influence this process, as nitric oxide availability can decline with age.
Previous research has linked gum disease bacteria to inflammation and explored connections between periodontal bacteria and dementia risk. However, this study’s small size and lack of causal evidence mean larger investigations are needed. The researchers did not test whether altering the oral microbiome could improve brain function.
Practical Takeaways
While the study points to a potential link between oral bacteria and brain health, it does not provide definitive evidence. There is no established method to modify the oral microbiome specifically for better brain health. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and consuming nitrate-rich vegetables like leafy greens and beets can support overall oral health and the processes under investigation.
For now, the connection between the oral microbiome and brain health remains an area of ongoing research. The study encourages further exploration but does not recommend targeting specific bacteria. Instead, focus on proven habits like healthy gums and a balanced diet while researchers continue to uncover the details.