Contents
Scientists have described the pathway of a contributing molecule to Alzheimer’s disease, which begins in the gut and ends with a highly inflammatory toxin in the brain that destroys neuronal cells. We explain what this process looks like and how easily it can be prevented.
- Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center have discovered that Alzheimer’s is caused by a molecule containing a very potent neurotoxin produced by microbes in the digestive tract
- Neurotoxin has its own path – it leaks from the gastrointestinal tract, crosses the blood-brain barrier through the circulatory system and reaches the ganglia, where it destroys neurons
- The way to stop this process is to eat the right amount of dietary fiber
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive disease of the brain that gradually destroys neurons. The brain gradually shrinks, and with it, memory, thinking abilities and, finally, the ability to perform the simplest tasks. This can mean that the sick person becomes confused, problems with recognizing friends and loved ones, changes in personality and behavior (e.g. loss of inhibitions, distrust).
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common diagnosis in dementia patients and the sixth leading cause of death in Americans. Experts estimate that as many as 5,8 million Americans aged 65 and over suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050 its incidence in the United States is expected to increase to 13,8 million.
The results of research conducted by Dr. Yuhai Zhao and Walter J Lukiw of LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center, published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, shed new light on the cause of the disease.
Scientists have found evidence that a molecule containing a very potent microbial neurotoxin (lipopolysaccharide – LPS) derived from the gram-negative bacteria Bacteroides fragilis in the human gastrointestinal tract generates a neurotoxin known as BF-LPS. She is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.
This is the pathway of the neurotoxin that is responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Lukiw explains that LPS are probably the strongest known pro-inflammatory, neurotoxic microbial glycolipids. Many laboratories have detected different forms of LPS in the neurons of the human brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
In the study, scientists detailed the path of the neurotoxin from the gut to the brain and how it works. BF-LPS leaks from the gastrointestinal tract, crosses the blood-brain barrier through the circulatory system, and reaches the ganglia.
It then increases inflammation in brain cells and inhibits neuron-specific neuro-filamentous light (NF-L), a protein that supports cell integrity.
Deficiency of this protein leads to the progressive loss of neuronal cells and ultimately cell death, which is seen in neurons affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
There is also good news. This nutrient can influence neurodegenerative processes
However, researchers report that adequate dietary fiber intake may stop this process.
The BF-LPS neurotoxin is a natural byproduct of microbial metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. The amount of Bacteroides fragilis in the microbiome, which is the source of the neurotoxin BF-LPS, can be regulated by dietary fiber intake. Therefore, the issue of diet is important, as it will balance the microorganisms in the human microbiome.
What is the microbiome? Simply put, it is a collection of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, present in our body that has a huge impact on its functioning.
The USDA recommends that women under the age of 50 eat 25 grams of fiber per day and men 38 grams. Over the age of 50, women and men should consume 21 and 30 grams of this nutrient per day, respectively.
Scientists point out that understanding the relationship between the digestive system, central nervous system, the gastrointestinal microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease is crucial.
This approach has potential and could lead to new strategies related to the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time Joanna Kozłowska, author of the book High Sensitivity. A Guide for Those Who Feel Too Much »says that high sensitivity is not a disease or dysfunction – it’s just a set of characteristics that affect the way you perceive and perceive the world. What are the genetics of WWO? What are the perks of being highly sensitive? How to act with your high sensitivity? You will find out by listening to the latest episode of our podcast.