Memory loss, decline in cognitive function, and behavioural changes are all symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a type of progressive, neurodegenerative disease that impacts the brain. It is the most typical cause of dementia, characterised by a deterioration in cognitive function that can impede daily activities. According to studies- better life expectancy, changes in lifestyle, and other risk factors all contribute to an increase in the prevalence of dementia in India, particularly Alzheimer’s.
The good news is there’s new progress in this field! Ground-breaking research revealed a possible connection between the gut microbiome, eating habits, and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in the Nature Journal “Scientific Reports.”
What Exactly Was The Study?
A group of scientists from UNLV’s Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine (NIPM) led the analysis. The research team at UNLV discovered a strong link between 10 particular species of gut bacteria and the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Heads up, there are 500–1,000 different kinds of bacteria living in the human gut at any given moment, and genetics and diet can affect the number and the diversity.
Researchers found four types of bacteria as risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Six categories of bacteria as protective against the disease. The four are:
- Collinsella
- Bacteroides
- Lachnospira
- Veillonella
Why was this? The APOE gene, which scientists have identified as a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, interacts with specific bacteria in humans’ stomachs to produce acids and toxins that weaken and seep through the intestinal lining.
This causes a neuroinflammatory response that affects brain health and a variety of immune functions. It may even promote the onset of the neurodegenerative disorder. The results broaden scientists’ understanding of how an imbalance of those bacteria can contribute to the emergence of the illness.
What Does This Mean In A Broader Sense?
UNLV team noted that although their research showed broad categories of bacteria frequently linked to Alzheimer’s. Research is required to identify the particular bacterial species that influence risk or protection. The takeaway here is that your genes can affect the amount of bacteria in your gut in addition to deciding if you are at risk for a disease. Scientists are moving closer to developing drugs or dietary modifications that are particularly adapted to a patient’s genetic profile.
