What role does gut health play in Alzheimer’s?
Now a clear connection between intestinal diseases and Alzheimer identified. This indicated the important role gut health plays in the development of Alzheimer’s. The new findings might lead to earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and new types of treatment.
In a new study involving experts from Edith Cowan University (ECU) analyzed for the first time several genome-wide association studies with summary statistics to assess the relationship between Alzheimer’s and bowel diseases. The results were published in the journal “Communications Biology” released.
Genetic data were evaluated
The experts rated extensive for their current research work genetic data on Alzheimer’s and various intestinal diseases from, which came from various investigations, each approx 400,000 participants comprised.
In the past there were already studies which showed a connection between Alzheimer’s and Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract have suggested. However, the factors that cause this association were unclear, the team said.
According to the study author, the current research work is Dr. Emmanuel Adewuyi the first comprehensive assessment of the genetic relationship between Alzheimer’s and various disorders of the gut. The results provide new insights into these associations by confirming a genetic link between Alzheimer’s and several gut disorders.
„The study offers new insight into the genetics behind the observed co-occurrence of Alzheimer’s and bowel disorders“, reports Dr. Adewuyi in one press release. The researchers found that people with Alzheimer’s and bowel disorders common genes exhibit.
New targets identified for treating Alzheimer’s?
„This improves our understanding of the causes of these disorders and identifies new targets to study, potentially detecting the disease earlier and developing new treatments for both types of disorders‘ adds the doctor.
According to the study author Professor Simon Laws the new study does not allow the conclusion that intestinal diseases cause Alzheimer’s or vice versa. Nonetheless, the results are of great value.
„These results provide further support for the concept of the gut-brain axis, a reciprocal connection between the cognitive and emotional centers of the brain and the functioning of the gut“, explained Professor Laws.
What role does cholesterol play?
By analyzing the shared genetics, the researchers identified other important links between Alzheimer’s and gut disorders, including the role that cholesterol might play. Abnormal cholesterol levels set in Risk of Alzheimer’s and intestinal disorders dar, stressed Dr. Adewuyi.
„Considering the shared genetic and biological characteristics of Alzheimer’s and these intestinal disorders suggests a strong role for lipid metabolism, the immune system and cholesterol-lowering drugs‘ adds the doctor.
Dangers for the brain from high cholesterol levels
Although the common mechanisms of the two diseases need to be further investigated, according to Dr. Adewuyi some evidence that a high cholesterol can be transferred to the central nervous system. This then leads to a abnormal cholesterol metabolism in the brain.
There are indications that abnormal blood lipids caused by gut bacteria (H. pylori) can be caused or exacerbated, supporting the possible role of abnormal lipids in Alzheimer’s and intestinal disorders.
For example, a increased cholesterol level already in the brain Brain degeneration and subsequent cognitive impairment connected, explain the researchers.
Statins used to treat Alzheimer’s
The link found between cholesterol and Alzheimer’s might prove crucial for the future Treatment of Alzheimer’s prove, the team suspects. Because the study results indicate that cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and bowel diseases might be of therapeutic use.
„There is evidence that statins have anti-inflammatory properties that modulate immunity and protect the gut“, reported Dr. Adewuyi. Nevertheless, further research is needed and the participants must be examined individually to assess whether they benefit from taking statins.
Overall, the study confirms that the nutrition an important role in the Treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and intestinal disorders might play. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Eleanor K. O’Brien, Dale R. Nyholt, Tenielle Porter, Simon M. Laws: A large-scale genome-wide cross-trait analysis reveals shared genetic architecture between Alzheimer’s disease and gastrointestinal tract disorders; in: Communications Biology (veröffentlicht 18.07.2022), Communications Biology
- Edith Cowan University: Alzheimer’s breakthrough: Genetic link to gut disorders confirmed (veröffentlicht 18.07.2022), ECU
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
