TDNet Discover

Dementia affects the physical and mental health and thereby reduces the quality of life of persons affected. With an aging population, the incidence of dementia is increasing, but the pathophysiology of the disease is still under investigation. Current research shows how changes in the gut microbiome affect the brain through various pathways and how the gut microbiome becomes altered leading to further evidence supporting the impact the gut microbiome has on the progression of dementia. The purpose of this research is to assess current studies to more extensively explore the pathophysiology behind the gut microbiome and its contribution to the disease progression of dementia. This study found that patients with dementia have altered gut microbiomes when compared to those without dementia, though research has not yet pinpointed the exact pathophysiology as to how alterations cause dementia. Understanding this relationship could lead to improvements in screenings and diagnostics as well as prevention strategies and treatments