Remarkable research on the relationship between gut and brain: Can probiotics protect against cognitive decline?

A new clinical study has revealed significant findings that certain probiotic blends may protect against early signs of cognitive decline. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, provides new evidence for the close relationship between gut microbiota and brain health.

A 24-WEEK DOUBLE-BLIND RESEARCH

In South Korea, 87 participants participated in the research conducted within the scope of the Gwangju Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (GARD) cohort study, which examined cognitive decline long-term. Of the participants who were initially divided into random groups, 40 completed the 24-week probiotic application and 47 completed the placebo application.

The probiotic supplement used in the research and coded KL-P301; It contained three different bacterial species, consisting of the subspecies Bifidobacterium animalis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Levilactobacillus brevis. During the study, neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was using which product.

SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN PTAU181 LEVELS

As a result of the research, it was determined that at the end of the 24-week period, pTau181 levels in the blood in the group using probiotics decreased significantly compared to the placebo group. pTau181, a biomarker that may reflect changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, measures the phosphorylated form of the tau protein. In cases of dementia, tau proteins can fold abnormally and form tangles that can disrupt the functioning of brain cells.

Some improvements were also noted in participants' scores on the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and in tests measuring skills such as interpreting visual information and understanding spatial relationships. Experts stated that these findings indicate that the interaction between the gut, immune system and brain may play a role in early neurodegenerative processes.

EXPERTS' EMPHASIS ON "MORE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY"

The researchers emphasized that although the findings are promising, they do not yet provide definitive results and do not show that probiotics directly reduce tau protein tangles in the brain. Pointing out that positive results in animal experiments are not always repeated in humans, the team stated that longer-term and larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the findings and determine the duration of the effects.