According to a recent study, if you suffer from any of five gut disorders, you are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers from the Center for Precision Health at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, have found that the genes of people with both Alzheimer’s disease and one of these five gastrointestinal disorders share some characteristics in common.
In the study, the researchers analyzed genetic data from studies of Alzheimer’s disease and intestinal disorders. Overall, the data covered hundreds of thousands of people.
Researchers have found links between Alzheimer’s disease and these five gastrointestinal disorders:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
- Gastritis-duodenitis
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Diverticulose
However, there does not appear to be a correlation between inflammatory bowel disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
In a press release, Simon Laws, director of the Center for Precision Health and supervisor of the study, noted that the study did not establish that bowel disorders caused Alzheimer’s disease or vice versa. Still, he praised the results:
“These results provide further evidence supporting the concept of the ‘gut-brain’ axis, a bi-directional link between the cognitive and emotional centers of the brain and the functioning of the gut. »
The study also found evidence that abnormal cholesterol levels are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and intestinal disorders.
Researchers say further study is needed, but it appears that high cholesterol transfers into the central nervous system. The result is abnormal cholesterol metabolism in the brain.
Emmanuel Adewuyi, head of research for the study, notes that higher levels of cholesterol in the brain have been linked to brain degeneration and cognitive impairment.
The researchers say the study results suggest that the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins might help treat both Alzheimer’s disease and bowel disorders.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, see:
