The relationship between <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> infection and the development of Alzheimer's disease: A scoping review

Background Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia and constitutes a major public health problem. Recent research suggests that certain chronic infections, particularly periodontal infections, may play a role in the development or progression of this disease. Among the bacteria involved in periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis has attracted particular attention from researchers. Objective In this way, the aim of this thesis, conducted in the form of a scoping review, was to analyze existing scientific data on the relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis infection and Alzheimer's disease. Methods To achieve this, a literature search was conducted in several scientific databases leading to the selection of fourteen studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results Some of the selected studies have shown the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis or its virulence factors in the brain tissues of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Experimental studies also indicate that this bacterium can promote certain mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration, namely inflammation and accumulation of amyloid-β. Conclusions Selected studies point to the existence of an association between exposure to periodontal bacteria and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.