In recent years researchers have begun to focus on the idea that H. pylori infection might also be a risk factor in the development of Alzheimer’s Dementia. One study published in the Journal of Neurology in 2009 even suggested that patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia can improve cognitive function by eradicating the infection.
There have been several hypotheses as to why H, pylori and Alzheimer’s maybe linked. One is that H. pylori can cause vitamin B12 deficiency because of the infections effect on the stomach lining. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is known to be a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s. Another possibility is that inflammatory responses generated by infection with H. pylori causes atherosclerosis which is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Finally, studies have shown that H. pylori infection is higher in patients with diabetes. People with diabetes can more than double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
These antidotal points linking H. pylori infection and Alzheimer’s givens medical professionals another reason to identify and treat H. pylori. With tools like the Urea Breath test identifying H. pylori is easy, fast and inexpensive.
Reference: Huffpost December 13, 2011