Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) and Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Impairment From 8 to 80 years old. What’s Bugging Granny? What’s Bugging Baby Joe? What’s Bugging You!

What is Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori)?

Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) is gram-negative bacteria found in the stomach. Research has estimated that H.Pylori, is the most prevalent infection in the world. It affects approximately half the world’s population. Over 80% of people infected with H.Pylori will not realize they have it because they will not have symptoms.

H.Pylori Infection Symptoms

Indicators and symptoms associated with an H.Pylori infection may be:

• Abdominal Pain (not the same pain experienced when balancing check book)
• Weight loss – unintended
• Loss of appetite – not just because food is gross, you don’t want to eat!
• Low B12 Levels (Nervous system ‘needs B-12)
• Elevated Homocysteine Levels – yes, there is a test for this!
• Cognitive Impairment (Rut-Row!)
• Bloating (like a blow fish)
• Burping (like a big dog)
• Nausea (ready to hurl)
• Vomiting (vomit may be bloody or look like coffee grounds – gross)
• Black, tarry stools

Dangers of H.Pylori

H.Pylori is known to be a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and is very common, especially in developing countries. Bacteria and viruses are powerful stimulators of the inflammatory process. Research continues to demonstrate a strong link between infective processes (like H.Pylori) and Alzheimer’s disease. In May 2008, a special issue of The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease explored the topic of infectious disease as a causative factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Scroll down and review the resources. Notice how ‘long’ the list is. Next ask yourself why isn’t a review of a potential infection such as H.Pylori (or Herpes Simplex: Last Post) looked for when signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment manifest – no matter how old the person is who is showing signs and symptoms of cognitive difficulty.