A growing body of research suggests that our gut microbiome plays a significant role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Italian and French scientists have made new discoveries about the intricate communication system between the gut and brain, which can lead to psychiatric and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by alterations in the brain, including synaptic loss, chronic inflammation, and neuronal cell death. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiome communicates with the brain through neurons in both organs. An imbalance in the composition and function of microbial communities in the gut, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to Alzheimer’s onset and progression.
The researchers used a new imaging technique called nano- and micro X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) to study structural and morphological alterations in the gut without damaging tissue. The data revealed changes in cell abundance and organization, as well as significant alterations in the gut’s villi and crypts in mice with Alzheimer’s.
The team believes that this technique may be pivotal in early detection and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease. By gaining a deeper understanding of the processes involved, they hope to identify therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatments for this devastating disease.
In collaboration with colleagues, they plan to further exploit the capabilities of XPCT to investigate the enteric nervous system and its role in Alzheimer’s disease. The research highlights the importance of biomedical studies at the ESRF and suggests that gut-targeted therapies may help prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s progression.
Future treatments may not begin in the brain but in the microbial world of the gut. Probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications are being explored as potential interventions to restore microbial balance and decrease systemic inflammation. Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of these approaches, but the potential benefits are promising.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/targeting-the-gut-might-be-key-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease