Dr Zoe explains how gut microbes can slow down brain ageing
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The Alzheimer’s Society pointed out that the number of dementia cases are projected to rise to 1.6 million by the year 2040. A “new avenue” of research has opened up a host of possibilities. Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, Dr Zoe spoke about the new research study from University College Cork, Ireland. The “groundbreaking” research involved gut microbes being transferred from younger to older mice, which helped to slow down the ageing process of the brain.
Dr Zoe said this is a “new avenue to explore further research in humans”.
However, people with dementia are unlikely to benefit from this breakthrough area, as it will take “many, many years” to be applied to humans.
The study – published in the scientific journal Nature Ageing – had commentary from the research lead.
Professor John Cryan said: “The gut microbiome plays a key role in ageing and the ageing process.
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“This new research is a potential game changer, as we have established that the microbiome can be harnessed to reverse age-related brain deterioration.”
The gut microbe transplant also showed evidence of improved learning ability and cognitive function in the older mice once they had younger microbes.
Such a discovery “opens up possibilities” to use gut microbes as a therapeutic target to improve brain health.
What are gut microbes?
WebMD explained that inside of the gut, up to 500 different kinds of bacteria live there.
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“Like a fingerprint, each person’s microbiota is unique,” Web MD stated, adding that microbiota is a mix of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
It’s partly influenced by the “mother’s microbiota” – meaning the environment you’re exposed to at birth.
The gut microbiome can also be influenced by the diet and lifestyle you choose to lead.
The gut microbiome is said to effect the digestive system, metabolism, and immune system.
Interestingly, too much of a certain kind of bacteria has been linked to the development of metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is when a person suffers from type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Certain microbes can turn fibre into fatty acids, which can cause fat deposits in the liver.
People with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, are believed to have lower levels of anti-inflammatory gut bacteria.
When it comes to the development of dementia, it can take up to 10 years for symptoms of the disease to emerge.
The NHS pointed out early warning signs of dementia, which include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes.
Be aware that dementia “is not a natural part of ageing”; the brain disease requires medical support.
The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner effective management and treatments can be given.
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