Our brain directly impacts the function of the stomach and intestines as they are connected physically through a network of millions of nerves. Although it might seem strange to think the other way, our guts can also affect the function of our brain. Linking the emotional and cognitive areas of the brain with intestinal functions can help us understand the nature of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
Alzheimer's is considered the leading cause of dementia, affecting the patient and the people around them. According to experts, one in three people born today could develop dementia in their lifetime. Because of this, scientists are looking for clues that can help develop potential solutions to this condition. Altering a person's diet can help slow down the onset of dementia or even prevent it from coming.
Studies on Brain-Gut Connection
A series of experiments presented at the Alzheimer's Research UK 2022 Conference presented several studies focusing on the connection between gut health and dementia. By looking at the data from previous studies involving the stomach and the brain, the reports reveal that specific types of intestinal bacteria might be responsible for getting Alzheimer's disease.
A research conducted by University College Cork Professor Yvonne Nolan investigated the connection between the role of gut bacteria and brain function. Several stool samples were taken from individuals with and without dementia and transplanted into rats. They discovered that rats with bacteria from people with Alzheimer's did not produce many new nerve cells and thus performed worse in memory tests.
In a separate study, a team of researchers from UNLV's Nevada Institute of Personalised Medicine (NIPM) made a study about ten specific types of bacteria. Six categories of these bacteria are described as protective, while the other four types are considered risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. They were correlated with the likelihood of developing dementia.
The human gut is home to 500-1000 species of bacteria, and their volume and variety can be affected by genetics and food choices. The gut's microbial composition varies between individuals, and it can have far-reaching effects on the other parts of the body.
Some bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract secrete acids and toxins that can pass through the lining of the intestine. By interacting with APOE, a gene known to trigger risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, these bacteria initiate a neuroinflammatory response that affects brain and immune-related functions. As a result, it promotes the development of a neurodegenerative disorder.
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What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's is a kind of dementia that affects a person's memory, thinking, and behavior. This neurodegenerative disease which accounts for 60-80% of cases of dementia, is common in people over 65.
Unlike dementia, Alzheimer's is a specific neurodegenerative disease. It first affects the brain region responsible for learning, so some symptoms at its onset include changes in memory, thinking, and reasoning. As the disease advances, the symptoms could become more severe, including behavioral changes, loss of awareness of the surroundings, and difficulty communicating.
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