Recent breakthrough research has uncovered fascinating connections between the bacteria in our mouths and our cognitive health. Opening new doors in our understanding of brain aging and cognitive decline. This study, published in PNAS Nexus (January 2025), provides compelling evidence for the role of oral health in maintaining cognitive function.
The Oral Microbiome-Brain Connection
The study examined 115 participants, investigating relationships between oral bacteria, nitric oxide biomarkers, and cognitive performance. Key discoveries include:
- Beneficial Bacteria: Researchers found that specific bacteria, particularly Neisseria and Haemophilus species, showed positive correlations with cognitive function, especially in executive function, working memory, and overall cognitive performance.
- Early Warning Signs: The study identified Porphyromonas as a potential predictor of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while Prevotella intermedia showed connections to APOE4 genetic status, a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
The Nitric Oxide Connection
While the study found no significant differences in nitrate or nitrite levels between MCI and healthy groups, the role of nitric oxide remains crucial. This finding has important implications for supplements like SuperBeets and Neo40, which are designed to boost nitric oxide levels and may support:
- Healthy blood flow to the brain
- Optimal neurotransmission
- Overall cognitive function
Clinical Implications
These findings suggest that maintaining a healthy oral microbiome could be crucial for cognitive health. While supplements like SuperBeets and Neo40 weren’t directly studied, I feel they should positively affect oral microbiome and cognitive function. They are designed to boost nitric oxide levels in the body, which the study mentions is an important signaling molecule for various physiological processes. Nitric oxide deficiency is a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline, so supplements that boost nitric oxide production could mitigate this risk. Additionally, nitric oxide is crucial for vasodilation, and the study mentions links between vascular health and cognitive function.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Cognitive Health
When considering cognitive health, it’s crucial to understand that our brain function is intricately connected to multiple aspects of our daily lives. Quality sleep is the foundation for cognitive repair and memory consolidation, while proper nutrition provides the essential building blocks for neurotransmitter production and cellular repair. The food we eat not only fuels our brains but also influences our oral microbiome, which this research has shown to be crucial for cognitive health. Foods that are beneficial for our oral health include:
- Nitrate-Rich Foods: Beetroot, arugula, spinach (support nitric oxide production & beneficial bacteria)
- Fermented Foods: Plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut (introduce beneficial bacteria)
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Onions, garlic, leeks (provide nutrients for beneficial bacteria)
- Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Green tea, dark chocolate (70%+ cacao), berries (support beneficial bacteria growth)
For optimal oral and cognitive health, it’s important to minimize processed sugars and refined carbohydrates, which can disrupt the balance of beneficial oral bacteria.
Equally important is minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, particularly glyphosate, which can disrupt our gut and oral microbiomes, impair mitochondrial function, and potentially accelerate cognitive decline. Recent research has shown that glyphosate exposure can impact the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in our bodies, potentially contributing to inflammation and oxidative stress—two key factors in cognitive aging. This interconnected web of sleep, nutrition, and environmental factors demonstrates why a holistic approach to cognitive health is not just beneficial but essential.
A Holistic Approach at PUR-FORM
It’s crucial to understand that cognitive health requires a comprehensive, holistic approach. At PUR-FORM, we offer several modalities that work synergistically to support optimal brain function:
- Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation & Ozonation (EBO2): This cutting-edge modality not only reduces glyphosate levels but also enhances overall cellular function. By removing environmental toxins and improving blood oxygenation, EBO2 helps clear brain fog and supports optimal cognitive performance.
- Infrared Sauna: Sauna sessions promote deep detoxification while improving sleep quality through temperature regulation and stress reduction. The deep penetrating heat helps enhance mitochondrial function and cellular repair.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): By dramatically increasing oxygen delivery to brain tissues, HBOT enhances mental clarity, reduces brain fog, and supports cellular repair. Many patients report improved sleep quality and enhanced cognitive function after sessions.
- Red Light Therapy: This treatment directly supports mitochondrial function and helps regulate circadian rhythm for better sleep quality. It also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in brain tissue, contributing to improved mental clarity.
- IV Therapy: We offer various IVs that deliver targeted nutrients to support mitochondrial function, enhance mental clarity, and promote optimal brain health.
- Supplements: Carefully selected supplements can help support all aspects of cognitive health, from sleep quality to mental clarity.
This research represents a significant step forward in understanding the complex relationship between oral health and cognitive function. It suggests that interventions targeting the oral microbiome could play a vital role in maintaining cognitive health as we age. It is important to focus on our day-to-day routines, our nutrition, and the environmental toxins we are exposed to that can affect all aspects of our health, specifically our cognitive health, to reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
-Dr. P
