A promising avenue for preventing memory loss in old age may be found in the realm of probiotics and the intriguing ‘gut-brain axis.’ While probiotic supplements are already recognized for their positive impact on gut health and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and post-antibiotic gastrointestinal issues, recent research suggests they may also play a role in mitigating cognitive decline and dementia in aging individuals.
Jessica Eastwood, a nutritional psychology researcher at the University of Reading in England, highlights the potential connection between gut and brain health. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, it is theorized that improvements in gut health may positively influence brain health. With over six million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the leading form of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the US, exploring such connections becomes crucial.
Probiotics, often referred to as ‘good bacteria,’ contribute to digestive system health by combatting harmful bacteria associated with various illnesses. Food sources rich in probiotics include yogurt, cottage cheese, buttermilk, kimchi, soybeans, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, and miso. Additionally, over-the-counter supplements with different strains are available.
Apart from aiding digestive distress, such as diarrhea and bloating, probiotics have demonstrated the ability to boost immune health by restoring a balance in the gut’s bacterial composition. The positive impacts extend to regulating appetite and weight, improving depression, and lowering inflammation. By fostering a balance between good and bad bacteria, probiotics contribute to overall health.
A study presented at the American Society for Nutrition meeting revealed that older adults taking a probiotic exhibited better cognitive function than those on a placebo. Eastwood’s 2021 review further suggests that a daily probiotic may reduce cognitive decline in otherwise healthy older adults. The comprehensive review, spanning various age groups, emphasized cognition measurement through attention, memory, and processing tests.
Eastwood suggests that regular probiotic intake might be particularly beneficial in mitigating the natural decline in cognitive function and maintaining it for a longer duration. Notably, the review indicates potential benefits for older individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. However, Eastwood emphasizes the need for larger and more in-depth trials to establish the exact association between probiotics and cognitive function.
The ‘gut-brain axis’ emerges as a key player in this potential connection. This communication network links the central nervous system to the enteric system, which controls gastrointestinal tract function. Stress, a well-known factor affecting cognitive performance, may be mitigated by probiotics, providing a buffering effect. While the majority of studies focus on daily probiotic intake for one to six months, the specific strains optimal for cognitive function improvement remain undetermined.
Eastwood recommends a multi-strain probiotic with well-researched strains such as lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and lactococcus species. As researchers continue to unravel the intricacies of the gut-brain connection, the potential role of probiotics in maintaining cognitive health offers a promising avenue for future exploration.
