A recent European study found that the Alzheimer’s disease progression can be directly affected by gut bacteria.
The bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract are very sensitive to diet; they are also closely related to the immune system, so pro-inflammatory foods can influence gut bacteria and subsequently cause a systemic inflammatory response.
The Swiss and Swedish researchers noted a distinct bacterial profile in mice with Alzheimer’s disease. A group of mice free of bacteria were colonized with that of mice with Alzheimer’s disease, and they developed amyloid plaques while their control counterparts who received bacteria from mice without Alzheimer’s developed significantly fewer plaques. These findings suggest that this illness may be more preventable than scientists previously believed, and that targeting the gut microbiome may be a good first step towards preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, taking a probiotic supplement, exercising, and controlling stress levels all contribute to a healthy gut bacterial profile.
Researcher Tristan Bolmont explained that the team’s “preclinical data strongly supports the recent notion that gastro-intestinal microbiota is involved in the development of several brain disorders including Alzheimer's disease, and is consistent with the view that the gut microbes contribute to neurological disorders beyond diabetes and obesity."
Stemedica International, based in California, will be conducting the next phase of this study which will be looking at stem cell treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.
Did you know that the Alzheimer's Australia NSW Library and Information Service provides access to quality dementia related consumer health information and resources?
Some books and audio books you can borrow from the Alzheimer's Australia NSW library include:
- Grain Brain by Dr David Perlmutter
- The Grain Brain Cookbook by Dr David Perlmutter
- A Brain for Life: How to Optimise Your Brain Health by Making Simple Lifestyle Changes Now by Nicola Gates, PhD
- Brain Maker by Dr David Perlmutter
- Clean Gut by Alejandro Junger, M.D.
To borrow or reserve an item, email
[email protected].