Chapter 12: The Role of Gut Microbiome in Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Strategies Check Access

The strong interconnection between microbes and humans through the gut interface has a significant impact on the body's physiology, homeostasis, and mental health. Microorganisms reside in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and interact with the central nervous system (CNS) via the bidirectional pathway known as the gut–brain axis (GBA). A persistent disturbance to gut microbiota composition from external factors contributes to neuronal disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A number of preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the role of gut microbial dysbiosis to protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, memory, and cognitive impairment observed in the pathogenesis of AD. These comprehensive studies have validated gut microbiota dysbiosis as a promising therapeutic target to treat multifactorial AD. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview of gut microbiota and the impact of its dysregulation on the host's health and AD pathology. Therapeutic strategies to improve gut health to maintain essential microbial diversity that halts or cures AD pathology are discussed.