A common gut bacteria found in two-thirds of the world’s population may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study by researchers at McGill University.
The study was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
This study investigated whether clinically apparent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people aged 50 and older.
According to the study, widespread infections can cause indigestion, gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer.
A team of researchers at McGill University analyzed health data from more than 4 million people aged 50 and over in the UK from 1988 to 2019 and found that people with symptomatic H. pylori infection had an 11% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. I found that the percentage was higher. disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Although its causes are multifaceted, our findings build on a growing body of evidence that infections, particularly H. pylori, may play a role in its pathogenesis.
Researchers said the disease affects millions of people around the world, and that number is expected to increase rapidly as demographics change.
“Given the aging of the global population, the number of dementia cases is expected to triple over the next 40 years. However, there is still no effective treatment for this disease,” the study said. said lead author Dr. Paul Brassard, professor of medicine at McGill University.
“We hope that the results of this study will provide insight into the potential role of H. pylori in dementia to help develop prevention strategies, such as tailored eradication programs, to reduce infection at a population level. ” added Dr. Brassard.
In another study published earlier this month, researchers identified what types of diets are effective in lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The study was published in the Alzheimer’s Disease journal, “The Role of Diet in Modifying Alzheimer’s Disease Risk: History and Current Understanding.”
Plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean diet and traditional Chinese, Japanese and Indian cuisines, have been shown to reduce risk, especially when compared to Western diets, the study said.
It added that ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes, which are themselves risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
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