Personalized Paths: Unlocking Alzheimer’s via the Gut-Brain Axis

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by abnormal protein aggregates in the brain that lead to cognitive decline. While current therapies only treat symptoms, disease-modifying treatments are urgently needed. Studies suggest that the composition of the microbiota is altered in people with AD, suggesting a link between gut bacteria and AD-related brain changes. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> In our narrative review, we explore various microbial interventions, such as faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and diet, as powerful potential treatments. Studies suggest changes in microbiota composition following these interventions, with some beneficial effects on cognitive function. However, the mechanism of action of these microbial interventions is still unknown. <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> Our aim was to highlight the importance of personalised approaches, taking into account individual metabolic and microbiome profiles. We try to address gaps in current research and emphasise the need for microbiota analysis at different stages of the disease and its integration with clinical parameters and lifestyle information for a comprehensive understanding of AD progression (summarised in online suppl. Fig. 1; for all online suppl. material, see <ext-link ext-link-type="doi" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1159/000535869" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">https://doi.org/10.1159/000535869</ext-link>).