This article (Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Lipopolysaccharide as Mediators Between Gut Dysbiosis and Amyloid Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease - IOS Press) indicates gut bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are linked. Essentially, they took 89 older adults with cognitive performance from normal to dementia and underwent florbetapir amyloid PET and blood collection.
Higher levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of AD, are associated with increased blood levels of lipopolysaccharide (commonly known as endotoxin) and short chain fatty acids like acetate and valerate. Conversely, butyrate (a major short-chain fatty acid produced during gut flora-mediated fermentation of dietary fibers) was linked to fewer amyloid plaques, suggesting a protective role. I actually have a podcast on butyrate if you’re interested I can send the link.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial dysfunction (issues with blood vessel lining) are elevated in individuals with higher amyloid plaque levels. Butyrate and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were associated with lower levels of these harmful markers.
This research highlights the potential of targeting gut microbiota to influence AD progression.
What do you think?