Possible Link between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Amyloidosis in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most common neurological conditions in man. Amyloidosis and neuro-inflammation are central to the pathology of both these diseases. The systemic inflammatory nature of both these conditions and particularly the origin of both the systemic inflammation and neuro-inflammation are becoming most relevant in pursuing effective treatment regimes. In this review, the link between periodontitis and AD and PD is discussed emphasizing the role of amyloidosis. Attention is also drawn to how the keystone bacterium in periodontitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and its cellular inflammagens e.g. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and proteases (gingipains), may play a crucial role in driving systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Treatment and prophylaxis of AD and PD are also discussed.