National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Gut Microbiome Shifts Linked to Alzheimer's Biomarkers Before Symptoms Appear

- A study of 439 older adults found higher Akkermansia muciniphila levels associated with lower amyloid-beta accumulation in the brain, a key Alzheimer's hallmark. - Researchers identified 59 bacterial species linked to mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, with closely related bacteria playing opposing roles in cognitive health. - A separate narrative review highlights that gut microbial dysregulation, including reduced SCFA-producing taxa, may begin during the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's before symptoms emerge. - Both reports emphasize that longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether microbiome changes drive disease progression or result from neurodegeneration.