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Alzheimer's : originating in the intestines ?

What if the root of Alzheimer’s disease were found in the intestine? This theory has been studied by HUG’s memory center (FR) in collaboration with an Italian team.

Their research focused on two distinct populations: patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease with cerebral amyloid deposits, and people without amyloid deposits, with or without memory disorders.

By exploring the bacterial flora of these two groups, scientists demonstrated the existence of pro-inflammatory bacteria in the intestines of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers do not take the further step of concluding that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the presence of harmful bacteria in the intestines. Their discovery simply proves that studying the interaction between intestinal microbes and the brain is an avenue worth exploring.

Last update : 24/04/2023