Research Confirms Connection Between Gut Bacteria & Alzheimer's Disease

New research out of Switzerland and Italy has confirmed not only that gut bacteria is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's, but subsequent inflammation in the blood may be the bridge between the two that triggers the disease.

The researchers conducted their study based on what we've already come to know about gut health as it relates to neurodegenerative diseases. We know bacteria in the gut can influence our immune system, which will affect—and sometimes disrupt—how the immune system works with the nervous system.

Certain inflammatory bacterias have proteins called lipopolysaccharides, which have been found in amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

For their research, the team looked at 89 people between 65 and 85—some with neurodegenerative diseases, and some without. They measured the amount of amyloid plaques in the brain, as well as various inflammatory markers and proteins in the blood caused by gut bacteria.

What they found was "indisputable" evidence that certain gut bacteria correlate with the amount of amyloid plaques in the brain. As doctor of molecular medicine and study co-author Moira Marizzoni, Ph.D., notes: "Indeed, high blood levels of lipopolysaccharides and certain short-chain fatty acids were associated with both large amyloid deposits in the brain."

As we learn more about which bacteria are beneficial to our guts and overall health—and which aren't—this research opens up the possibility of new preventive measures against neurodegenerative diseases, such as through supplementing pre- and probiotics.

But as Frisoni is sure to point out, there is still work to be done in identifying exactly which strains of bacteria we want to go for. And further, this would be a preventive strategy, not a treatment—highlighting the importance of early detection.