Study Reveals Probiotic’s Positive Impact on Cognitive Health in Older Patients

According to a study presented at the American Society for Nutrition conference, probiotics may prevent cognitive decline associated with aging. The researchers believe targeting the gut microbiome could be a promising approach to combat cognitive decline in older adults.

One particular probiotic that stood out in the study was Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). When individuals with mild cognitive impairment took this probiotic for three months, their cognitive test scores showed improvement, and their gut health also changed positively.

The study included 169 participants aged between 52 and 75, divided into two groups: those without neurological issues and those with mild cognitive impairment. Each group received either the LGG probiotic or a placebo for three months.

Gene sequencing was used to compare bacteria in stool samples, revealing that people with mild cognitive impairment had higher microbes from the genus Prevotella. However, when they took the LGG probiotics, Prevotella levels decreased, and their cognitive scores improved.

Mashael Aljumaah, a microbiology doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, pointed out that most research focuses on severe cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia, which are challenging to reverse or treat.

However, by targeting mild cognitive impairment, interventions could potentially slow down or prevent the progression to more severe forms of dementia.

“This study highlights the potential benefits of probiotics, specifically LGG, in preserving cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, offering a new perspective on the brain-gut connection and its implications for cognitive health during aging,” – Hema Shaddarshanam, PIC.