Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease. Despite tremendous research efforts to understand this complex disease, the exact pathophysiology of the disease is not completely clear. Recently, anti-Aβ antibodies have been shown to remove amyloid from the brain and slow the clinical progression of mild dementia by ~30%. However, exploring alternative strategies is crucial to understanding and developing more effective therapeutic interventions. In recent years, the microbiota-gut-brain axis has received significant attention in the AD field. Numerous studies have suggested that alterations in the gut microbiota composition are associated with the progression of AD, and several underlying mechanisms have been proposed. However, studies in this area are still in their infancy, and many aspects of this field are just beginning to be explored and understood. Gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate interactions and signaling pathways involved in the microbiota-AD interaction is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies targeting gut microbiota to positively impact AD. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in AD. We will discuss the existing evidence regarding the role of gut microbiota in AD pathogenesis, suggested underlying mechanisms, biological factors influencing the microbiome-gut-brain axis in AD, and remaining questions in the field. Last, we will discuss potential therapeutic approaches to recondition the community of gut microbiota to alleviate disease progression. An ongoing exploration of the gut-brain axis and the development of microbiota-based therapies hold the potential for advancing AD management in the future.
Unlocking Alzheimer’s: gut microbiota’s pivotal role in disease progression
Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated disorder involving the degeneration of nerve cells, marked by the creation of plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to mental decline. Despite much research, the precise origin and development of the disease remain unknown. This study, led by Seo and Holtzman, investigates the role of the gut microbiome (the community of microorganisms in our digestive system) in Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists conducted a narrative review, summarizing recent discoveries and discussing new questions in the field. They discovered that the gut microbiome could impact the development of Alzheimer’s disease by controlling peripheral neurotransmitters, metabolites, and immune signaling molecules. The scientists concluded that targeting the gut bacteria could potentially be a treatment strategy for Alzheimer’s disease. However, they also emphasized the need for more research to fully comprehend this intricate interaction.
This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.
; Holtzman, David M. 1