Dr. Ranya El Sayed, a researcher at the Dental College of Georgia, has received a $2.8 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to further investigate the potential connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The competitive grant will fund Dr. El Sayed’s ongoing study into how periodontal infection may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, particularly whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the two.
Dr. El Sayed explained that during gum infections, immune cells release exosomes—small particles capable of traveling through the bloodstream. These exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, where they are absorbed by microglia cells, the brain’s immune cells. This process leads to neuroinflammation, a condition associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
“The link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s is a critical area of study,” said Dr. El Sayed. “We’re still gathering data, but we believe this research could offer vital insights into the progression of Alzheimer’s and potential preventive measures.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with the disease. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to nearly 13 million, highlighting the urgency of finding effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Dr. Babak Baban, Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the Dental College of Georgia, expressed pride in the team’s recognition by the National Institute on Aging. “Securing such competitive funding is a testament to the innovative research being conducted at our institution,” said Dr. Baban. “It’s an honor to contribute to discoveries that could ultimately improve health outcomes and quality of life.”
Dr. El Sayed emphasized the importance of early intervention in gum care, particularly for individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s. “We hope our findings will encourage better dental health practices, such as regular dental visits, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s,” she said.
The team has been researching this potential link for over three years, and the new grant will extend the research for another five years. Dr. El Sayed remains optimistic that their findings will have a significant impact on both prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
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