Page 35 - Faculty of Medicine - MNU - Magazine VOL 1 - April 2025
P. 35
Exploring the acute and chronic effects of a multistrain
probiotic supplement on cognitive function and mood in
healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial
The study investigates the effects of a multistrain probiotic supplement on cognitive
function and mood in healthy older adults through a randomized controlled trial.
Cognitive Decline and Aging
Cognitive decline is a prevalent aspect of aging,
affecting memory, learning, and executive functions,
particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
This decline is often accompanied by mental health
issues, such as geriatric depression, which can
exacerbate cognitive deterioration.
Gut Microbiota Changes with Aging
Aging is associated with significant alterations in gut
microbiota, characterized by reduced diversity and shifts
in microbial taxa, which may impact cognitive and mental
health through the gut-brain axis. Dysbiosis can lead to
increased inflammation and compromised gut barrier
integrity, potentially contributing to cognitive decline.
Probiotic Interventions for Cognitive Health
Probiotic supplementation has emerged as a potential strategy to mitigate
cognitive decline and improve mood in older adults, although evidence in
healthy populations remains limited. The study hypothesizes that probiotics will
enhance working memory and executive function while reducing negative mood.
Conclusions of the study and Future Directions
The findings suggest that chronic multispecies probiotic
supplementation may enhance executive function and
reduce cognitive biases in healthy older adults, with
potential clinical applications for depression prevention.
Future research should explore the mechanisms behind
these effects and consider additional factors influencing
gut microbiota.
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