Microbiome Role in Cognitive Impairment
Author Information
Author(s): Mishra Sidharth, Buddendorff Lauren, Hoover Julia, Shukla Rohit, Kumar Vivek, Jain Shalini, Yadav Hariom
Primary Institution: University of South Florida
Hypothesis
How do abnormalities in the gut microbiome contribute to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia pathology?
Conclusion
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment have higher levels of gut permeability and systemic inflammation, which are linked to cognitive decline.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults with MCI have higher levels of gut permeability markers.
- Increased gut permeability allows pro-inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream.
- MCI participants showed increased levels of LPS and TLR4 activation compared to controls.
- Gut microbial metabolite pathways were decreased in MCI compared to controls.
- These abnormalities are associated with reduced cognitive function.
Takeaway
As people age, problems in their gut can lead to issues in their brain, making it harder to think clearly.
Methodology
Utilized samples and datasets from the MiaGB consortium involving older adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls.
Participant Demographics
30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and 43 age- and sex-matched cognitively healthy controls.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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