A Review Of Microbiome-Targeted Therapies In Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to a loss of cognition and memory as the disease progresses, with the disorder accounting for 80% of dementia cases worldwide. The pathophysiological cause of Alzheimer’s has been debated throughout the years, though recent research has suggested a link between the composition of gut bacteria and healthy brain function. These studies cite gut microbiota imbalances as potentially increasing the risk of developing the disorder due to the direct connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Both genetic and environmental factors have been identified as causing microbiome changes and disruptions. This study aims to examine the physiological changes that occur within the microbiome and conduct a review of current gut microbiome-modulating therapies for AD.