Exploring the link between oral health and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Oral Cavity and Brain Cross-talk in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-11081718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your oral health might affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease, using mice to see if changes in saliva and mouth bacteria could play a role in worsening symptoms, which could help us understand and manage the disease better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,830 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG072727-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it, particularly those experiencing oral health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or significant oral health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in oral health may be related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. It uses transgenic mouse models to study the secretion of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in saliva and the impact of oral microbiome changes on both oral and brain health. By examining these relationships, the research aims to uncover whether poor oral health contributes to the development or worsening of AD symptoms. The findings could lead to new insights into the systemic nature of Alzheimer's disease and its management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of Alzheimer's disease through better oral health strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising links between oral health and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Combs, Colin K — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Combs, Colin K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.