As the body ages, its organs do as well – and this includes the brain. This brain aging translates to cognitive decline and memory issues, especially above the age of 65. And two out of ten Americans in this age group experience mild cognitive impairment, which is a more severe form of cognitive decline. Considering the impact of cognitive decline on quality of life, scientists have explored several different management and treatment options, including probiotics brain supplements. However, what relationship exists between probiotics and cognitive decline, and can any such relationship be leveraged to improve memory and brain health? Let’s find out.
Cognitive decline occurs naturally and gradually as we age, particularly beyond 65. However, not all memory issues are a result of aging. Some may be a sign of cognitive conditions, like mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Understanding the differences between memory issues resulting from aging and those from cognitive conditions is absolutely crucial, as the earlier the condition is identified, the better management options are.
Typically, adults above 65 have a lower performance speed, and their ability to absorb new information is reduced. Also, they occasionally forget names and words, where they kept things, and may forget to pay some bills. However, none of these issues affect their normal daily functioning nor significantly affect their quality of life.
In contrast, with cognitive conditions, the quality of life is significantly reduced. The individual finds it increasingly difficult to perform simple daily tasks, like driving and using the phone. It may be difficult to remember close friends and family or even the way to their own house. Also, confusion and problems holding simple conversations may accompany these cognitive conditions. In severe cases, the individual may be unable to live alone.
While the main cause of normal cognitive decline is aging, there are several possible causes of cognitive impairment, and they are not limited to a specific age group. Common causes include:
The risk factors for cognitive impairment are:
Probiotics are living microorganisms that support those naturally living in the gastrointestinal tract. In appropriate amounts, they have many health benefits. Because of their benefits to the host, they are often called “good gut bacteria.” There are different types of probiotics, with the most important of them belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Over the years, the interest in probiotics has skyrocketed. Generally, they are marketed for improving digestive processes, weight loss, and preventing digestive problems. However, probiotics do more than improve gut health, as emerging research links probiotics brain supplements with preventing age-related cognitive decline.
According to the preliminary study among middle-aged and older adults with mild cognitive impairment, probiotics brain supplements improved their memory score compared to those without probiotic supplementation.(1) While it may seem unlikely, there is actually a great scientific explanation for the relationship between probiotics and cognitive decline – the gut-brain axis.
The gut and the brain are connected by 200 to 600 million neurons in a bidirectional partnership called the gut-brain axis. The brain sends direct neural and indirect biochemical signals to the gut to modulate movement and sensory transmission. Meanwhile, the gut impacts brain function by producing important neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones. In fact, the gut is often called the “second brain” due to the key role it assumes in neurotransmitter production.
However, because of the strong connection between the gut and the brain, problems with one of these organs can lead to problems with the other. For example, in high-stress events, digestive issues may arise. Also, some conditions that affect the gut, like Crohn’s disease, may trigger mental conditions, like depression.
The gut-brain axis is the basis for studies examining the relationship between probiotics brain supplements and cognitive decline.
For example, researchers identified elevated amounts of microorganisms of the genus Prevotella in individuals with mild cognitive impairment compared to individuals with no impairment. This suggests that gut composition affects cognition. However, the high levels of the Prevotella microorganisms were reduced upon administration of probiotics. This reduction correlated with an improvement in memory scores. Although the study is far from conclusive proof that probiotics brain supplements can reverse mild cognitive impairment, it uncovers a potential management option for adults with cognitive decline.
While studies show that probiotics may help improve memory in individuals with MCI, there is no evidence that probiotics brain supplements will have a similar effect on individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is unsurprising, too, considering these conditions are far more advanced, and a lot of the damage done is permanent.
Aside from improving memory in individuals with MCI, there are other areas in which probiotics may benefit brain health. They include:
The body is constantly exposed to stressors – in the environment, water, food, workplace, etc. To combat this stress, the body has a system known as the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response. The NEM consists of six circuits comprising several organs in the body. Naturally, the NEM is sufficient for managing day-to-day stressors and ensuring proper body function. However, when stressors persist for too long, there may be a dysregulation of one or more of the NEM circuits.
In the event of dysbiosis of the microbiome, gut inflammation may arise, which then increases the stress on the Neuroaffect Circuit of the NEM. Stress can significantly impact the microbiota-gut-brain axis at all stages of life. (2) If this stress persists, the circuit dysregulates, and neurological problems may arise. A great way to combat stress on the gut is to use probiotics, which can restore gut homeostasis and, by implication, reduce inflammation.
A condition known as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) may also arise. Adrenal fatigue is the non-Addison's type of adrenal dysfunction in which the body’s stress response cannot keep up with life’s chronic stressors.
Probiotics have been shown to improve clinical outcomes in the management of depression and anxiety. (3) The justification for using probiotics brain supplements for these conditions is the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which scientists have extensively researched.
Studies also show that probiotics have high acceptability and tolerability scores in the management of depression and anxiety. This makes probiotic brain supplements a promising area of research in mental conditions.
However, it is worth noting that current research examines probiotics as an adjunct in other clinical management options. This implies that these supplements cannot and should not replace proper medical advice and care.
There are 100 trillion microbes in the gut, comprising about 5000 different species. With a number that vast, there is bound to be a wide variety of options with probiotics. However, not all probiotics are created the same, especially when the goal is improving brain health.
The probiotic strains that appear to give the best results in improving brain health belong to the following genera:
By implication, when choosing the right probiotics brain supplements, target those that contain enough strains from these genera. Below is an excellent option that contains beneficial strains from these genera.
Adrebiotics by Dr. Lam® contains ten bacterial strains of the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus genera. These genera are regarded as the most impactful for improving brain health, especially the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr-32).
A serving of Adrebiotics contains 25 billion CFU, which can adequately supplement the normal good gut bacteria. Aside from benefiting the brain, the strains in the product can also improve digestive health.
However, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using probiotic supplements, including this supplement. Also, avoid probiotics if you have immune system problems or are using immune-suppressing medications.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects on the body. Most of these benefits are directed toward the digestive system and digestive processes. However, emerging studies show that probiotics can help combat cognitive decline. The justification behind using these supplements is the connection between the gut and the brain, called the gut-brain axis.
Despite the high potential of probiotics in improving brain health, current research is not conclusive. More studies are required before more definitive claims can be made. Also, ensure you speak with your healthcare provider before using any probiotic supplement, as with any other dietary supplement.
For more information about probiotics and brain health, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free, no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.
(PTFS08-04-23) The Gut Microbiome, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Probiotics: a Randomized Clinical Trial in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Cryan JF, O'Riordan KJ, Cowan CSM, Sandhu KV, Bastiaanssen TFS, Boehme M, Codagnone MG, Cussotto S, Fulling C, Golubeva AV, Guzzetta KE, Jaggar M, Long-Smith CM, Lyte JM, Martin JA, Molinero-Perez A, Moloney G, Morelli E, Morillas E, O'Connor R, Cruz-Pereira JS, Peterson VL, Rea K, Ritz NL, Sherwin E, Spichak S, Teichman EM, van de Wouw M, Ventura-Silva AP, Wallace-Fitzsimons SE, Hyland N, Clarke G, Dinan TG. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Physiol Rev. 2019 Oct 1;99(4):1877-2013. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2018. PMID: 31460832.
Nikolova VL, Cleare AJ, Young AH, Stone JM. Acceptability, Tolerability, and Estimates of Putative Treatment Effects of Probiotics as Adjunctive Treatment in Patients With Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023;80(8):842–847. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.1817
There is no evidence that probiotics can reverse dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is because these conditions are more advanced than mild cognitive impairment, and the damage they cause is typically permanent. However, probiotics can help improve digestive health, which can help improve memory in more mild cases of cognitive decline.
