Classifying dementia progression using microbial profiling of saliva.

Introduction: There is increasing evidence linking periodontal infections to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Saliva sampling can reveal information about the host and pathogen interactions that can inform about physiological and pathological brain states.

Methods: A cross-sectional cohort of age-matched participants (78) was segmented according to their chemosensory (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test; UPSIT) and cognitive scores (Mini-Mental State Exam; MMSE and clinical dementia rating; CDR).