A group of chemicals in the blood, produced by gut bacteria, could help detect the earliest signs of cognitive decline, a study suggests.
The old saying goes, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’, but new research suggests the gut could also offer clues to brain health.
A group of researchers from the University of East Anglia and Queen Mary University of London, analysed blood samples from 150 older adults.
The adults were divided into three groups: those with healthy memory and thinking, those with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and individuals with mild cognitive weakness (MCI). Both SCI and MCI are seen as early warning signs that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published this week, outlined clear differences in levels of certain gut-related chemicals between the groups.
Some chemicals believed to help protect the brain – including choline, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and indole-3-propionic acid – were lower in people with early cognitive decline. Others linked to inflammation and cell damage, such as indoxyl sulphate and kynurenic acid, were higher.
Using computer analysis, the team found six key chemicals that could distinguish between healthy individuals and those with SCI or MCI quite reliably.
Dr David Vauzour, lead researcher of the study, said: ‘Dementia is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.
‘Around a million people in the UK are living with the condition, and globally more than 55 million people are affected. With cases projected to increase sharply as populations age, the urgency for earlier detection, better support, and meaningful prevention strategies has never been greater.’
News of the study, which can be read in full here, has come as global dementia cases are expected to reach 152 million by 2050.
‘Early detection is critical because by the time dementia symptoms become obvious, much of the brain damage has already happened,’ Dr Vauzour added.
‘Identifying biological warning signs earlier could allow for timely lifestyle changes, targeted interventions, and better monitoring.’
Responding to the research, Professor Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Studies like this are helping to build a clearer picture of the early biological changes linked to the condition.’
‘This is a small study looking at associations at a single point in time, so we cannot say whether these changes cause cognitive decline or are a result of it or whether these individuals went on to develop dementia,’ she continued. ‘It does, however, add to a growing field of research looking at the connection between gut and brain health.
‘Understanding risk earlier could be key to helping people access support, take steps to reduce their risk, and take part in research. Alzheimer’s Society part funded the influential Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care, which identified 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia and showed that up to 45% of dementia globally may be preventable.’
Image: julien Tromeur/UnSplash
In related news:
War of the wards: resident doctors have returned to the picket lines
Leave a Reply