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Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and mild cognitive impairment

J Kountouras1, M Tsolaki, M Boziki

  • 1Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. jannis@med.auth.gr

European Journal of Neurology
|August 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori infection is significantly more common in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This bacterial infection may play a role in the development of MCI and its progression to Alzheimer's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The link between Helicobacter pylori infection and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is emerging.
  • No data currently exist on the association between H. pylori and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to AD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in a Greek cohort of patients with amnestic MCI.
  • To explore the potential role of H. pylori in the pathophysiology of MCI.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 63 MCI patients and 35 healthy controls.
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with histological and serological examinations for H. pylori.
  • Measurement of serum anti-H. pylori IgG and plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori prevalence was significantly higher in MCI patients (88.9%) compared to controls (48.6%).
  • MCI patients exhibited elevated serum anti-H. pylori IgG and plasma Hcy levels.
  • A correlation was found between cognitive status and anti-H. pylori IgG levels in infected MCI patients.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori infection is significantly more prevalent in individuals with MCI.
  • This infection may contribute to MCI pathophysiology, potentially via chronic gastritis and elevated Hcy.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the causal relationship and therapeutic implications.

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