The oral microbiome and inflammation in mild cognitive impairment

Inflammation and immune mechanisms are believed to play important roles in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Research supports the link between poor oral health and Alzheimer’s disease. Periodontal disease and dental caries represent the two most common infections of the oral cavity. This study focused on a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we characterized and compared the oral microbiome of 68 older adults who met the criteria for MCI or were cognitively normal, then explored relationships between the oral microbiome, diagnostic markers of MCI, and blood markers of systemic inflammation. Two taxa, Pasteurellacae and Lautropia mirabilis were identified to be differentially abundant in this cohort. Although systemic inflammatory markers did not differentiate the two groups, differences in five cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory mediators were identified and had significant associations with MCI. Because inflammatory markers may reflect CNS changes, pursuing this line of research could provide opportunities for new diagnostic tools and illuminate mechanisms for prevention and mitigation of Alzheimer’s disease.