REVIEW PAPER
The role of gut microbiota in pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease.
1
Student’s Scientific Association of Paediatric Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Department of Pediatric Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Karolina Barzyk
Student’s Scientific Association of Paediatric Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Student’s Scientific Association of Paediatric Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Recent insights point toward a complex interplay between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the study is to explore how selected dietary patterns and microbiota-based interventions may affect cognitive function and neuroinflammation in AD by modulating the gut-brain axis.
Review methods:
Research was conducted based on peer-reviewed studies published mainly between 2018 – 2024, focusing on the influence of Mediterranean, high-fibre, and ketogenic diets, as well as probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on cognitive outcomes and inflammatory markers in AD models and patients.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Available evidence suggests that gut microbiota diversity and composition are altered in individuals with AD. Interventions, such as the Mediterranean or ketogenic diet, appear to enhance microbial richness and support anti-inflammatory pathways. Probiotic supplementation and FMT showed promising cognitive improvements in preclinical models, with limited but growing human data. However, considerable heterogeneity in study design and outcomes hinders firm conclusions.
Summary:
Targeting gut microbiota through diet or microbiota-modulating therapies holds promise as an adjunctive approach in AD management. While preliminary results are encouraging, there remains a pressing need for longitudinal clinical trials to clarify which microbial profiles and interventions yield the most consistent cognitive benefits. In the meantime, nutritional strategies aimed at supporting a balanced gut ecosystem may serve as a low-risk complement to conventional AD treatment.
Recent insights point toward a complex interplay between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the study is to explore how selected dietary patterns and microbiota-based interventions may affect cognitive function and neuroinflammation in AD by modulating the gut-brain axis.
Review methods:
Research was conducted based on peer-reviewed studies published mainly between 2018 – 2024, focusing on the influence of Mediterranean, high-fibre, and ketogenic diets, as well as probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on cognitive outcomes and inflammatory markers in AD models and patients.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Available evidence suggests that gut microbiota diversity and composition are altered in individuals with AD. Interventions, such as the Mediterranean or ketogenic diet, appear to enhance microbial richness and support anti-inflammatory pathways. Probiotic supplementation and FMT showed promising cognitive improvements in preclinical models, with limited but growing human data. However, considerable heterogeneity in study design and outcomes hinders firm conclusions.
Summary:
Targeting gut microbiota through diet or microbiota-modulating therapies holds promise as an adjunctive approach in AD management. While preliminary results are encouraging, there remains a pressing need for longitudinal clinical trials to clarify which microbial profiles and interventions yield the most consistent cognitive benefits. In the meantime, nutritional strategies aimed at supporting a balanced gut ecosystem may serve as a low-risk complement to conventional AD treatment.
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