Background
There are many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, that cause damage to or loss of cells in our brain, leading to problems with our movement, thinking and behaviour. Recent studies have suggested there may be a link between our brain and our gut microbiota – the collection of bacteria and fungi in our gut which influences our metabolism, immune system, and other important bodily functions. Scientists think that chemicals in our body that are formed by our gut microbiota may lead to risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, however there is not enough data to know how or why this may happen.
Why is the study important?
The aim of this study was to investigate if there were differences in the gut microbiota and the chemicals they produce in people with Alzheimer’s Disease or healthy controls. By investigating the changes in our gut microbiota, scientists can find potential targets for treatments or markers of disease to help with diagnosis.
What did the authors do and how did they do it?
For this study the authors used 3 existing data sets including a study of differences in gut microbiota in 18,340 people, a study of differences in chemicals produced by the gut microbiota in 7,824 people and a study of genetic differences between 17,008 people with Alzheimer’s Disease and 37,154 healthy controls.
The authors compared the 3 data to sets to determine links in changes in gut microbiota and the chemicals they produce between healthy individuals and people living with Alzheimer’s Disease.
What are the results?
The authors reported increases in 3 gut microbiota bacteria that may be associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study also suggested an increase in a bacterium that may be associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and an increase in a bacterium that may be protective against Alzheimer’s Disease. Lastly, they reported that increases in 2 chemicals produced by the gut microbiota may be protective against Alzheimer’s Disease.
What do the finding mean going forward for people with the disease?
This study further suggests a link between changes in our gut and brain in Alzheimer’s Disease and highlights some potential targets for future research into treatments or interventions, such as eating a Mediterranean diet.