Alzheimer’s is the most popular reason of dementia in the UK, NHS notes. The exact cause of it is not fully understood such as increasing age, untreated depression, a family history of the condition, and lifestyle factors and conditions linked to cardiovascular diseases, among the rest.
However, in recent years, an increasing number of scientific studies have found that Alzheimer’s isn’t just a disease, but an infection.
A 2019 study finds that Alzheimer’s may be connected to gum disease.
“Infectious agents have been implied in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease before, but the evidence of causation hasn’t been convincing,” Dr. Stephen Dominy, Cortexyme co-founder, explained.
Looking at gingipains, the toxic enzymes of P. gingivalis, scientists explored that high gingipain levels were related to the presence of two other proteins already linked with the development of Alzheimer’s: tau and ubiquitin.
However, the team also found the presence of these toxic gingipains in the brains of deceased patients who were never diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
The question is whether they would be diagnosed with the diseases had they been alive, or is it the Alzheimer’s that cause poor oral care.
“Our identification of gingipain antigens in the brains of individuals with AD and also with AD pathology but no diagnosis of dementia argues that brain infection with P. gingivalis is not a result of poor dental care following the onset of dementia or a consequence of late-stage disease, but is an early event that can explain the pathology found in middle-aged individuals before cognitive decline,” the authors explained in their paper.
The mice experiment also revealed a decrease of amyloid-beta production and neuroinflammation because of a compound formulated by the company called COR388.
“Drugs targeting the bacteria’s toxic proteins have so far only shown benefit in mice, yet with no new dementia treatments in over 15 years it’s important that we test as many approaches as possible to tackle diseases like Alzheimer’s,” chief scientific officer David Reynolds from Alzheimer’s Research said.
The vitamin the body lacks when legs and bones are painful
Have you ever encountered leg pain for no apparent reason? Bone fragility or nighttime cramps? What if your body is trying to send you an alarm? A deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals could be a key reason in your ailments. Let’s explore together the essential ingredients for healthy bones and muscles.
Vitamin D deficiency: a common reason of bone pain
If your legs are causing pain or you suffer from weak bones, you may be deficient in vitamin D. This vitamin plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium , which is crucial for strong bones. A deficiency can cause:
- Muscle weakness
- Persistent bone pain
- An increased risk of fractures
How to get enough vitamin D?
- Exposure to the sun: 10 to 30 minutes per day, arms and face uncovered, before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid sunburn.
- Focus on food: favor oily fish (salmon, sardines), egg yolks, certain mushrooms and fortified dairy products.
- Take supplements if necessary: If you have a proven deficiency, a doctor may offers vitamin D3 supplements.
Other deficiencies that lessen your bones and muscles
If your pain isn’t solely from a lack of vitamin D, other nutrients may be involved.
Calcium: the rock of your bones
Without calcium, your bones become fragile and more prone to fractures. It is found in:
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Almonds and sardines
- Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale
Magnesium: the muscles’ ally
A lack of magnesium can lead to cramps and muscle pain. To prevent this, eat:
- Bananas and avocados
- Sunflower seeds and nuts
- Cocoa (a good excuse for a square of dark chocolate)