Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Health - LEVEL1

How Oral Microbes Could Influence Cognitive Decline Risk

By aimee yang
How Oral Microbes Could Influence Cognitive Decline Risk

The bacteria in your mouth can affect more than just your gums and teeth. They might also impact your brain.

In a study with 55 people who had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), those with more bacteria from the Neisseria group had better memory and attention skills.

Even among 60 people without memory problems, having lots of Neisseria helped improve memory scores.

Researchers from the University of Exeter say that encouraging good bacteria in the mouth may help slow down memory loss. This can be done with probiotics or prebiotics that help good bacteria grow.

Other studies show poor oral health can lead to memory problems. Some harmful bacteria from gum disease have even been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

In summary, having a balance of good bacteria may keep our brains healthy.

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

Bacteria/bækˈtɪə.ri.ə/noun
Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent organisms or as parasites.

Cognitive/ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv/adjective
Relating to the mental processes of perception memory judgment and reasoning.

Probiotics/ˌproʊ.baɪˈɑː.tɪks/noun
Live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits when consumed.

Prebiotics/ˌpriː.baɪˈɒt.ɪks/noun
Substances that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms.

Alzheimer’s/ˈæltsaɪmərz/noun
A progressive neurologic disease that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die.

Impairment/ɪmˈpeər.mənt/noun
The state of being weakened or damaged; a reduction in quality or strength.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What impact can the bacteria in your mouth have, according to the text?
Only affects gums and teeth
Might impact your brain
Causes skin problems
Improves muscle strength
In the study mentioned, how did people with more bacteria from the Neisseria group perform in terms of memory and attention?
Had worse memory and attention skills
Showed no improvement
Had better memory and attention skills
Didn't participate in memory tests
What can help slow down memory loss according to researchers from the University of Exeter?
Brushing teeth more often
Avoiding probiotics
Encouraging good bacteria in the mouth
Drinking more soda
Which condition was mentioned to have harmful bacteria found in the brains of affected individuals?
Diabetes
Asthma
Gum disease
Arthritis
How can good bacteria in the mouth potentially keep our brains healthy?
By improving eyesight
By reducing stress levels
By maintaining a balanced diet
By providing benefits to memory and overall brain health
What is one way mentioned in the text to encourage good bacteria in the mouth?
Eating more sugary snacks
Using mouthwash excessively
Taking antibiotics regularly
Using probiotics or prebiotics
Having lots of Neisseria bacteria can worsen memory problems.
Poor oral health has no impact on memory according to various studies.
Using probiotics or prebiotics may help slow down memory loss.
Harmful bacteria from gum disease have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Encouraging good bacteria in the mouth has no potential benefit for brain health.
Improving memory scores was not related to the amount of Neisseria bacteria in the study participants.
According to the text, having lots of Neisseria bacteria helps improve scores.
Encouraging good bacteria in the mouth may help slow down loss.
Other studies suggest that poor oral health can lead to problems.
Some harmful bacteria from disease have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Having a balance of good bacteria may keep our healthy.
Using probiotics or prebiotics that help good bacteria grow can encourage a balanced microbiome in the .
This question is required
aimee yang
aimee yanghttps://esl-news.com

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
Bacteria/bækˈtɪə.ri.ə/noun
Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent organisms or as parasites.
Cognitive/ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv/adjective
Relating to the mental processes of perception memory judgment and reasoning.
Probiotics/ˌproʊ.baɪˈɑː.tɪks/noun
Live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits when consumed.
Prebiotics/ˌpriː.baɪˈɒt.ɪks/noun
Substances that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms.
Alzheimer’s/ˈæltsaɪmərz/noun
A progressive neurologic disease that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die.
Impairment/ɪmˈpeər.mənt/noun
The state of being weakened or damaged; a reduction in quality or strength.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What impact can the bacteria in your mouth have, according to the text?
Only affects gums and teeth
Might impact your brain
Causes skin problems
Improves muscle strength
In the study mentioned, how did people with more bacteria from the Neisseria group perform in terms of memory and attention?
Had worse memory and attention skills
Showed no improvement
Had better memory and attention skills
Didn't participate in memory tests
What can help slow down memory loss according to researchers from the University of Exeter?
Brushing teeth more often
Avoiding probiotics
Encouraging good bacteria in the mouth
Drinking more soda
Which condition was mentioned to have harmful bacteria found in the brains of affected individuals?
Diabetes
Asthma
Gum disease
Arthritis
How can good bacteria in the mouth potentially keep our brains healthy?
By improving eyesight
By reducing stress levels
By maintaining a balanced diet
By providing benefits to memory and overall brain health
What is one way mentioned in the text to encourage good bacteria in the mouth?
Eating more sugary snacks
Using mouthwash excessively
Taking antibiotics regularly
Using probiotics or prebiotics
Having lots of Neisseria bacteria can worsen memory problems.
Poor oral health has no impact on memory according to various studies.
Using probiotics or prebiotics may help slow down memory loss.
Harmful bacteria from gum disease have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Encouraging good bacteria in the mouth has no potential benefit for brain health.
Improving memory scores was not related to the amount of Neisseria bacteria in the study participants.
According to the text, having lots of Neisseria bacteria helps improve scores.
Encouraging good bacteria in the mouth may help slow down loss.
Other studies suggest that poor oral health can lead to problems.
Some harmful bacteria from disease have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Having a balance of good bacteria may keep our healthy.
Using probiotics or prebiotics that help good bacteria grow can encourage a balanced microbiome in the .
This question is required

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