The study, published in the journal Brain and reported by the French media Futura, examined the connection between gut bacteria and brain function.
The researchers found that people with Alzheimer’s had lower levels of Coprococcus bacteria, which are normally associated with healthy aging.
At the same time, they had higher levels of bacteria from the Desulfovibrio group, which has previously been linked to neurological diseases.
The researchers therefore believe that changes in the gut microbiome could be an important part of the disease’s development.
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Affects memory
The study also suggests that gut bacteria may influence the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
In laboratory animals, the researchers observed reduced production of new nerve cells in the brain. This may help explain why Alzheimer’s patients experience memory problems.
The researchers believe that knowledge about the microbiome could eventually be used for earlier diagnosis and new forms of treatment.
The disease may begin in the gut
The most remarkable finding came from an experiment involving healthy rats. Researchers transferred gut bacteria from Alzheimer’s patients to young animals.
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After the procedure, the rats developed memory problems similar to the symptoms seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease.
The results strengthen the theory that the disease may begin in the gut before it affects the brain.
Sources: Futura and Brain.
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