Older people sometimes face a problem called age-related cognitive decline. This means they might forget things or find it hard to think clearly. A new study suggests that taking a special pill with good bacteria, called a probiotic, might help fix these memory issues. The study checked older people who sometimes forgot things. Some of them took a special healthy pill for 12 weeks. The people who took this pill remembered things better than before.

This might mean the pill can help some older folks with their memory. The study also found that the tiny living things in our gut can hint if someone is having trouble remembering. This can help us know and treat memory problems in the future.

How Our Stomach and Brain Connect

The study checked if our stomach's health is linked to our brain's health. They gave some older people a healthy pill and some a pretend pill. This healthy pill is named Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).

All of us have tiny living things inside us, like bacteria. They help us digest food, stay healthy, and feel good. The research checked if the tiny living things in people with and without memory problems were different. They did this by looking at poop samples they got.

There was more of a bacteria named Prevotella in people with memory troubles. But when they took the healthy pill, there was less of this bacteria, and they remembered better.

Still, the pill didn't help everyone's memory. And we don't know for sure what this Prevotella bacteria does for our health. Some say it's good and comes from eating veggies. Others say it might be linked to illnesses.

The Big Mystery - Cognitive Decline Symptoms

Our stomach and brain talk to each other a lot. For example, when we're hungry, our stomach tells our brain, and then we eat. The stomach and brain are connected via nerves. The tiny living things in our stomach also help in this conversation.

But we don’t know the full story. For example, there's an idea that if bad bacteria leak from our stomach into our blood, it might hurt our brain. But we're still not sure. Also, while our stomach's health might affect our memory, it's just one part of the big picture. So, fixing our stomach's health might help, but it's not the only answer.

Can Probiotics Improve Memory Function?

The study's findings suggest that probiotics may aid memory loss in the elderly by reducing the effects of cognitive decline. But at this time, we simply don't know for sure. More research is needed. In the past, some studies found that changes in our stomach might show if someone is starting to have Alzheimer's disease, even if they don't show any symptoms yet. That means checking our stomach health might be a new way to find memory problems early on.

Imaging the brain or conducting blood tests are two current alternatives for diagnosing Alzheimer's. But some people can't get these tests easily. Checking our stomach health might be simpler because all you need to do is give a sample of what you leave in the toilet.

The probiotic used in the study, called LGG, is easy to find in stores. Many people already take it to stay healthy. And it's generally safe.

Apart from possibly helping with memory, probiotics have other benefits too. They might help with problems like stomach upset or skin issues. But before you start taking any new medicine or supplement, you should talk to a doctor.

Food for a Healthy Stomach

You can always get healthy food to make your stomach nourishing and happy. Foods that are fermented, like yogurt, kimchi, or kefir, can be good for our stomach. These foods can help boost the good tiny living things in our stomach. So, eating them might help keep our brain and memory sharp too.

FAQs

Can checking our stomach's health show early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests gastrointestinal abnormalities may be an early, symptomless indicator of Alzheimer's disease. It's a promising field that's still in the early stages of research.

Is the LGG probiotic safe to take?

LGG is a common probiotic and is generally safe for most people. However, before starting any new supplement, it's always a good idea to consult with a doctor.

What are some benefits of probiotics apart from potential memory improvement?

Probiotics might help with other issues like stomach upset, skin problems, and certain bowel issues.