Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. Emerging research highlights the gut microbiome’s potential role in AD pathogenesis, mediated through the gut-brain axis. Alterations in the gut microbiome, including reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and increased lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), can lead to systemic inflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and heightened amyloid-beta deposition, contributing to AD progression.

Studies reveal significant differences in gut microbiota composition between patients with AD and healthy controls, including shifts in bacterial genera and reduced SCFA-producing strains. Potential treatments targeting the gut microbiome, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), have shown promise in reducing amyloid-beta levels and improving cognitive function. These interventions have also demonstrated potential in modulating inflammation in animal models and small clinical trials. Understanding the gut-brain connection may open new avenues for innovative therapies to combat this debilitating disease.

Reference: Sait AM, Day PJR. Interconnections between the Gut Microbiome and Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 7;25(16):8619. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168619. PMID: 39201303; PMCID: PMC11354889.