How gum disease affects Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: IMPORTANCE OF PERIODONTITIS IN THE INNATE IMMUNE REGULATION OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11045015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gum disease might be connected to Alzheimer's disease, especially how a certain bacteria could affect the brain and make symptoms worse, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how taking care of your gums could help with brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $363,825 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078708-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have a history of periodontal disease and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontal disease or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how a specific bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, may enter the brain and worsen Alzheimer's symptoms. The study aims to understand the role of microglial cells, which are crucial for brain immunity, and how they are affected by gum disease. By examining the mechanisms of inflammation and immune response in the brain, the research seeks to uncover new insights into how periodontal health may influence Alzheimer's disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by addressing periodontal health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has suggested a connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's, but this study aims to explore this relationship in greater depth, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Ping — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Ping
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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.