A newly conducted study suggests a potential association between a prevalent gut bacteria, found in approximately two-thirds of the global population, and an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, the research focused on investigating whether the presence of a clinically observable Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection increases the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals aged 50 and above. H pylori is a common ailment associated with stomach cancer, gastritis, ulcers, and indigestion.
Researchers from McGill University delved into the health records of over 4 million adults aged 50 or older in the UK from 1988 to 2019. The findings indicated that individuals with symptomatic H. pylori infections faced an 11% higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. While Alzheimer’s disease has multifaceted causes, this study contributes to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential role of infections, particularly H pylori, in its development.
This research paves the way for future investigations, particularly in exploring whether eliminating this bacterium could effectively serve as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s disease in certain individuals. Given the global aging population, researchers anticipate a significant increase in dementia cases in the next four decades. Dr. Paul Brassard, the senior author of the study and a Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine, emphasized the lack of effective treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease. He expressed hope that the study’s findings will shed light on the potential role of H pylori in dementia, guiding the development of prevention strategies, such as tailored eradication programs, to mitigate infections at the population level.