We’ve known for a while now that good gut health is important for healthy ageing – but a new study has shown that gut disorders are linked to risk of developing dementia.
Conducted by Edith Cowan University, the research – which analysed genetic data from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and gut disorder studies of around 400,000 people each – has for the first time shown a genetic link between AD and several gut disorders, supporting as well the concept of the “gut-brain axis”: a two-way link between the brain and intestines.
“This improves our understanding of the causes of these conditions and identifies new targets to investigate to potentially detect the disease earlier and develop new treatments for both types of conditions,” said research lead Dr Emmanuel Adewuyi.
The study also found that high levels of cholesterol are a risk factor for AD and gut disorders, with cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins a possible treatment for both conditions.
“Whilst further study is needed into the shared mechanisms between the conditions, there is evidence high cholesterol can transfer into the central nervous system, resulting in abnormal cholesterol metabolism in the brain.
“There is also evidence suggesting abnormal blood lipids may be caused or made worse by gut bacteria (H.pylori), all of which support the potential roles of abnormal lipids in AD and gut disorders.
“For example, elevated cholesterol in the brain has been linked to brain degeneration and subsequent cognitive impairment,” said Dr Adewuyi.
So, keep an eye on your gut – because it may be key to keeping an eye on your brain, too.
