A recent study has revealed a potential link between the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, backed by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has produced compelling findings that shed light on this association.
Researchers uncovered that individuals afflicted with H. pylori infection faced a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. Dr. Paul Brassard, a co-author of the study from McGill University in Montreal, expressed hope that the findings would offer valuable insights into the potential role of H. pylori in dementia. He further stressed the importance of using these insights to inform the development of preventative strategies, such as tailored eradication programs, to mitigate infections at the population level.
The 2023 study delved into UK health data spanning from 1988 to 2019, encompassing over 4 million individuals. The findings revealed that individuals aged 50 and above with symptomatic H. pylori infections faced an 11% heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
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What makes these findings particularly pertinent is the widespread prevalence of the stomach bug, which affects two-thirds of the global population. H. pylori is notorious for infecting the stomach lining, leading to conditions such as ulcers and stomach inflammation.
While many individuals may unknowingly harbor H. pylori without experiencing symptoms, the infection can contribute to the development of certain types of stomach cancer and duodenal ulcers. Its potential to induce cancer stems from the infection-induced alterations in stomach lining cells, which may progress to cancer formation.
H. pylori is easily transmissible through bodily fluids and contaminated food or drink. Treatment options often involve the use of two different antibiotics to effectively eliminate the bacteria, proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid and aid healing, and occasionally bismuth sub-salicylate to soothe the stomach lining.