Alzheimer's Disease and the gut microbiome

In the UK, over 944,000 individuals have a dementia diagnosis.¹ Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type.² Research indicates that by 2050, dementia figures will double in Europe.³ These predictions are alarming. Especially as there is currently no cure for the disease.

AD often affects individuals over the age of 65.⁴ Yet, it can also occur in younger people too. Other risk factors include gender, genetics, certain lifestyle factors and health conditions.⁵ According to the Alzheimer’s Society individuals who have a healthy lifestyle from 40 to 65 years of age are less likely to develop AD.⁶ Prevention is SO important.

Lets take a closer look at AD and the gut…

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

AD is a progressive disease, causing an array of life changing symptoms. Symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, include:⁷

Memory loss
Alterations to thinking speed, mental sharpness and quickness
Using words incorrectly
Difficulty speaking
Changes to understanding, judgement and mood
Difficulty with everyday tasks

The hippocampus is one of the first areas of the brain to be damaged by the disease, an area that plays a key role in memory.⁸

A diagnosis of AD can be very challenging, not only for patients but their loved ones, too. While no cure exists, medications and treatments are available to help patients. The development of AD is extremely complex. One component is the accumulation of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau.⁹ These substances can cause plaques and tangles, making it difficult for the brain to work as it should.¹⁰ This can affect neurotransmitters’ balance within the brain.¹¹ Neurotransmitters are important chemical messengers, essential to the functioning of the brain and body. These plaques and tangles can cause neuroinflammation.¹² The stimulation of brain immune cells called microglia, can also lead to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.¹³

Lets explore how the gut microbiome may be linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

The gut microbiome is a community of trillions of living bacteria and microbes. Imbalances amongst these microbes can occur due to several factors. These include poor eating habits, antibiotic use and stress.¹⁴ Research indicates that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the development and progression of AD.¹⁵ The gut-brain axis, is a term used to describe the connection between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system. A complex, two-way communication network. The gut microbiome may modulate neuroinflammation in a range of conditions, including AD.¹⁶

AD patients have been found to have altered gut microbiomes, compared to healthy individuals.¹⁷ Specifically, a reduction in the richness and diversity among microbes was noted.¹⁸ Changes to the gut microbiome can cause increased gut lining permeability. This can lead to immune activation and systemic inflammation.¹⁹ Circulating pro-inflammatory factors can compromise the blood-brain barrier integrity.²⁰ Yet, a healthy diet including a high intake of plant foods and probiotics, as well as other important nutrients, inhibited inflammatory responses.²¹ This shows how impactful nutrition can be!

Postbiotics and the blood-brain barrier

When your gut bacteria are happy, they use and ferment fibres from the foods you eat. Resulting in the production of highly beneficial by-products called postbiotics. These metabolites are powerful anti-inflammatories. They may affect the development of AD in several ways. Postbiotics can regulate the expression of AD-related genes, maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, modulate brain metabolism, and influence neurotransmitter production, immune activation and mitochondrial function.²²²³ The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from toxic substances, filters harmful compounds and supplies the brain with nutrients.²⁴ Supporting your probiotics and prebiotics is key!

What is a synbiotic and how can it help support your gut microbiome?

Supporting the gut microbiome via the foods you consume is both safe and natural, with no risk! This raises the important question – Shouldn’t we all be looking after our gut microbes for better brain health as we age?

A synbiotic refers to the combination of probiotics and prebiotics. The ultimate duo for supporting a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.

Probiotics – these foods are naturally rich in beneficial bacteria. Helping your gut microbiome thrive! A diverse range of beneficial bacteria is vital, not just to the health of the gut but the wider body too. Consistent and regular consumption of these foods is key. Fermented foods include Kefir, live yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and tempeh.
Prebiotics – prebiotic-rich foods are essential fuel for our microbes, helping to stimulate their growth and activity. Prebiotics support the production of beneficial by-products, called postbiotics. Our Complete Prebiotic is an easy and convenient way to feed the beneficial bacteria while boosting your fibre intake! Prebiotics are found in diets rich in plant foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and wholegrains.

To learn more about the power of synbiotics, check out Shann’s post – What do you need to know about SYNBIOTICS? Read 5 ways to love your brain for more brain health tips!

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8am to 8pm.