A recent research study indicates that probiotics may enhance cognitive function and potentially avoid age-related cognitive decrease by modulating the gut microbiome. Especially in people with mild cognitive problems, shifts in gut microbiome structure, such as decreases in the abundance of Prevotella germs, correlated with improved cognitive ratings.
Recent findings point to a key function of the gut in preserving brain health.
Results from a recent study suggest that the use of a probiotic might assist avoid the decrease in memory and thinking that can accompany aging. This discovery might prepare for innovative, non-invasive techniques that use the gut microbiome to reduce cognitive deterioration in the senior.
The scientists discovered that the cognitive scores of research study participants who were experiencing mild cognitive disability enhanced after getting the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for a three-month period. This improvement in cognitive function was also linked to changes in their gut microbiome.
” The implication of this finding is quite exciting, as it implies that modifying the gut microbiome through probiotics could potentially be a strategy to enhance cognitive performance, especially in people with moderate cognitive disability,” said Mashael Aljumaah, a microbiology doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. “This adds a brand-new layer to our understanding of the microbiome brain-gut connection and opens up brand-new opportunities for combating cognitive decrease associated with aging.”
” Many research studies focus on severe types of cognitive illness such as Alzheimers and dementia, but these conditions are more innovative, making them considerably harder to deal with or reverse,” stated Aljumaah. “In contrast, we focused on mild cognitive impairment, which can consist of problems with memory, language, or judgment. Interventions at this phase of cognitive problems might slow down or avoid the development to more serious types of dementia.”
The study involved 169 individuals between 52 and 75 years old who were divided into two groups depending on whether they had no neurological concerns or moderate cognitive disability. Within each group, individuals either got the LGG probiotic or a placebo in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial lasting 3 months.
Aljumaah, who is also connected with King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, just recently presented the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held July 22-25 in Boston.
” Many research studies focus on severe forms of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia, however these conditions are more advanced, making them considerably harder to reverse or treat,” said Aljumaah. “In contrast, we concentrated on moderate cognitive impairment, which can consist of problems with judgment, language, or memory. Interventions at this phase of cognitive disability could slow down or avoid the development to more severe forms of dementia.”
Graphical abstract. Credit: Mashael Aljumaah, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University
The research study included 169 individuals between 52 and 75 years of ages who were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they had no neurological problems or mild cognitive disability. Within each group, individuals either got the LGG probiotic or a placebo in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial lasting three months. The researchers picked the LGG probiotic due to the fact that previous research had actually shown its possible useful effects in animal designs.
To investigate the research study individuals gut microbiomes, the researchers used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine and compare bacteria present in stool samples. They then used whole genome sequencing to acquire insights into the functional functions of the bacteria identified.
The analysis exposed that microorganisms in the genus Prevotella existed in a greater relative abundance in individuals with moderate cognitive impairment than in those without any cognitive problems. This suggests that gut microbiome composition might act as an early indication for moderate cognitive impairment, offering chances for earlier interventions to slow cognitive decline.
For research study individuals who had mild cognitive impairment and got the LGG probiotics, the Prevotella relative abundance reduced. This modification coincided with improved cognitive scores, suggesting that cognitive health in older adults could be enhanced by manipulating the gut microbiota.
” By determining specific shifts in the gut microbiome connected with moderate cognitive problems, were exploring a new frontier in preventive strategies in cognitive health,” stated Aljumaah. “If these findings are reproduced in future research studies, it recommends the expediency of using gut microbiome-targeted techniques as a novel approach to support cognitive health.”
The researchers are now working to comprehend the specific systems of how microbes like Prevotella influence the gut in a manner that enhances brain health. Particularly, they are exploring how particular particles produced by these bacteria modulate the functionality of neuroprotective hormones that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Referral: “The Gut Microbiome, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Probiotics: a Randomized Clinical Trial in Middle-Aged and Older Adults” by Mashael R. Aljumaah, Andrea M. Azcarate-Peril, Jeffery Roach, John Gunstad and Urja Bhatia, 24 July 2023, NUTRITION 2023 (abstract; discussion details).
