- A recent review suggests that probiotics may improve cognitive function or lessen cognitive decline in adults but not children.
- The current studies available for analysis had limitations affecting data interpretation and conclusions.
- Robust evidence from large, well-designed randomized-controlled trials is needed to determine the effects and real-world applications conclusively.
The human microbiome Trusted Source is the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that inhabit our bodies, directly affecting our health.
Amazingly, scientists estimate that there could be similar numbers of microbes in the body as there are human cells.
The microbes that live on or in our bodies help protect us from organisms that cause disease. Some also promote immune system development and aid in digestion. Scientists believe that a two-way relationship between the brain and the gut exists, though they do not entirely understand it yet.
When scientists modify the gut microbiome in mice experiments, it induces behavioral Trusted Source and cognitive Trusted Source changes. These changes also alter levels of substances essential to learning, reasoning, and memory in the mice.
Other studies Trusted Source suggest that changes in the gut microbiome make-up may contribute to the development and progression of cognitive impairment seen in Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Scott Kaiser, director of geriatric cognitive health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, who was not involved in the paper, spoke with Medical News Today:
“There’s a mounting body of evidence showing clear connections between our gut health and our brain health, and specifically within gut health […] the constellation of different types and proportions of bacteria.”
The new systematic review came from researchers at the University of Reading, in the United Kingdom. Their aim was to determine whether supplementation with probiotics — dietary supplements containing live microbes — benefit cognitive function.
They analyzed human studies with at least one live probiotic strain and at least one cognitive outcome performance measure: memory, attention, or executive function Trusted Source.
Their findings appear in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. The work was partly funded by Winclove Probiotics.
After applying the criteria, the researchers identified 30 studies that met their eligibility requirements. They grouped the results by age groups: infants and children, young and middle-aged adults, and aging adults.
“To read this article in its entirety click here: Could probiotic supplementation improve cognitive function?”