The emerging role of the microbiome in Alzheimer's disease
Book chapter, 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies suggest that the intestinal microbiota is altered in AD patients when compared to healthy individuals and may play a role in disease onset and progression. Aging is the greatest risk factor for AD, and age-related changes in the microbiota can affect processes that contribute to cognitive decline. The microbiota may affect AD by modulating peripheral and central immunity or by secreting factors that influence neurogenesis or neuronal cell death. Finally, probiotic and dietary interventions that target the microbiome may have therapeutic potential to prevent or treat AD.

Alzheimer's disease

Microbiota

Microglia

Probiotics

Immunity

Author

Caroline Wasén

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Systems and Synthetic Biology

Harvard Medical School

Ella Simonsen

University of Massachusetts

Harvard Medical School

Millicent N. Ekwudo

Harvard Medical School

Martin R. Profant

University of Toronto

Laura M. Cox

Harvard Medical School

International Review of Neurobiology

0074-7742 (ISSN) 21625514 (eISSN)

Vol. 167

Subject Categories

Other Clinical Medicine

Neurosciences

Neurology

DOI

10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.001

More information

Latest update

7/12/2024