Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bifidobacterium longum is a probiotic bacterium that has been studied for its potential role in supporting cognitive function, including in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The scientific rationale for its use stems from the emerging understanding of the gut-brain axis, which refers to the bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Research has identified alterations in gut microbiota composition in patients with Alzheimer's Disease, and probiotics like B. longum are being investigated for their ability to modulate this dysbiosis.

Preclinical studies in animal models of AD have shown that administration of B. longum can reduce neuroinflammation, improve memory, and decrease amyloid-beta plaque deposition, likely through anti-inflammatory effects and the modulation of gut-derived metabolites. For example, a 2019 study in mice found that B. longum supplementation led to improved cognitive performance and reduced markers of neuroinflammation. Some small human studies and clinical trials have evaluated multi-strain probiotics (sometimes including B. longum) in people with mild cognitive impairment or AD, with modest improvements in cognitive scores and inflammation markers.

However, the number of high-quality human clinical trials focusing specifically on B. longum and Alzheimer's Disease is limited, and most evidence is indirect or from animal studies. Thus, while there is scientific interest and a plausible biological mechanism, the evidence is still preliminary and not robust enough for strong clinical recommendations. More large-scale, well-controlled human studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

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