Probiotics for an Aging Brain: Do Healthy Bacteria Boost Cognition?
Probiotics for an Aging Brain: Do Healthy Bacteria Boost Cognition? As we grow older, changes in the gut microbiome and decreased cognitive skills often occur in tandem. This has led scientists to hypothesize that maintaining a healthy community of gut bacteria may help preserve cognitive abilities into old age. Emerging research on probiotics suggests these beneficial microorganisms could be a key piece of the puzzle. The gut microbiome refers to the vast population of bacteria and other microbes that live in the intestines. This complex internal ecosystem plays important roles in nutrient absorption, digestion, metabolism, and immunity. Intriguingly, the gut microbiome also communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis. Studies indicate that unhealthy changes in the gut microbiome are linked to inflammation, diminished brain function, and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Supplementing with probiotics may help counteract these detrimental shifts. Probiotics are live microor