Cognitive Health: What do Probiotics Have to do with it?

Think that your brain is your brain, and your gut is your gut? Think again!

Most people think “gut” when they hear about probiotics. However, although that’s where the process begins the effects don’t end there. Research is linking the effects of probiotics to cognitive functioning.

A study by Elmira Akbari et al, published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience journal (“Effect of Probiotics on Cognitive Function and Metabolic Status in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind and Controlled Trial,” 2016), monitored the impact of probiotic supplements on 60 patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.

In the study half of the participants were given cow’s milk and the other half were given probiotic milk for 12 weeks. The tests were repeated after 12 weeks. The results revealed, “Overall, the current study demonstrated that probiotic consumption for 12 weeks positively affects cognitive function.”

The placebo group showed a 45% increase in a highly sensitive c-reactive protein called hs-CRP the indicator of inflammation, which is a characteristic of Alzheimer’s Disease, whereas the probiotic group declined by 18%.

Over the 12 weeks the placebo group continued to mentally decline, however, the probiotics group showed a substantial improvement in cognitive function.

So, in addition to preventing a decline in cognitive function the probiotics helped participants regain it.

The study indicated, “From these considerations it can be concluded that at least through contributing in neurotransmitter synthesis or receptor expression, probiotics might adjust the brain activity.”

It adds, “Accordingly, it is suggested that dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system, behaviour, and cognition are correlated with gut microbiota dysbiosis (Liang et al, 2015).”

Good news indeed!