Could Gut Bacteria Reflect Early Changes in Brain Health?
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By
February 11, 2026
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3 min
A review published in Alzheimer's & Dementia evaluates human studies linking gut microbiome alterations to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It analyzed 58 studies, revealing distinct microbial profiles associated with each condition. MCI showed an abundance of beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium, while AD was linked to harmful groups such as Pseudomonadota. While some interventions yielded modest cognitive improvements, inconsistencies in findings highlight the need for standardized methods and further research to establish reliable biomarkers for clinical application.
1. Review studies linking gut microbiome with MCI and Alzheimer's disease.2. Gut microbiota showed distinct profiles in different cognitive impairment stages.3. MCI linked to beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium.4. Alzheimer's associated with harmful bacteria groups.5. Intervention studies showed modest improvements in cognition.6. Need for standardized sampling and longitudinal studies.7. Biomarkers like amyloid-β levels altered by microbiota changes.
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