2023-07-23 15:44:36
Constipation can promote dementia. Changes in gut bacteria and mental decline are linked, new studies show.
Many people struggle with constipation, especially in old age. But many people in other age groups are also affected, which can be attributed, among other things, to a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise.
But chronic constipation—meaning having a bowel movement every three or more days—can not only lead to long-term health problems like inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and anxiety and depression. Chronic constipation may also accelerate cognitive decline, new research, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association international conference in Amsterdam, shows.
Composition of gut bacteria influences risk of dementia
The studies presented there show, among other things, that those affected with infrequent bowel movements showed poorer cognitive performance, which corresponded to three years of aging. Two studies also found a connection between certain gut bacteria and an increased risk of developing dementia over the course of life. Other microbes in the gut, on the other hand, may help keep the brain healthy.
To study how gut bacterial composition is related to brain health, University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Chaoran Ma analyzed three large studies involving more than 110,000 people.
Ma and his team collected data on each participant’s bowel frequency from 2012 to 2013 and had them self-rate their mental functioning from 2014 to 2017. In a subgroup of more than 12,000 subjects, mental performance was measured in addition to self-assessment through medical tests between 2014 and 2018.
Lack of certain gut bacteria promotes mental decline
The researchers found that participants with constipation had significantly worse mental functioning compared to those with daily bowel movements. They had fewer gut microbes responsible for digesting dietary fiber. Having a bowel movement every three days or less was associated with a 73 percent greater likelihood of mental decline.
But the researchers also made another discovery: People who had bowel movements more than twice a day also showed a slightly increased risk of cognitive decline.
Healthy eating and exercise are also important for the brain
“These results underscore the importance of physicians communicating with their elderly patients regarding gut health and constipation in particular,” said Dong Wang, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and lead investigator on the study.
“Measures to prevent constipation and improve gut health include eating a healthy diet with foods high in fiber and polyphenols, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, taking fiber supplements, drinking plenty of water daily, and getting regular exercise.”
Hope for new therapies once morest dementia
“Our body systems are all connected,” said Heather M. Snyder, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations. “When one system isn’t working properly, it affects other systems.”
The new findings add to growing research into the link between a healthy gut and a healthy brain. Researchers are hoping for more answers on this. Because these can help to develop therapeutic and risk-reducing approaches for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
1690138935
#Constipation #increase #risk #Alzheimers