The neurodegeneration that occurs in Alzheimer patients
is partly caused by abnormal accumulation of a protein
called amyloid beta Aβ peptides around the nerve cells
This accumulation of proteins leads to the formation of
amyloid plaques also known as senile plaques
21
WHICH PATHOLOGIES
COULD BE CONCERNED?
AUTISM AND ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDERS
(19)
30 to 50% of patients with an ASD (Autism Spectrum
Disorder) have digestive problems such as abdominal
pain, diarrhea or constipation
Many patients with an ASD have increased intestinal
permeability, gut inflammation and digestive problems
associated with exacerbated stress response.
In some clinical trials involving fecal microbiota
transplantation, reduced digestive symptoms were
accompanied by improved behavior.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
(20)
A neurodegenerative disease associated with memory
loss, speech and comprehension difficulties, and
attention and concentration problems, Alzheimer’s
disease affects more than 35 million people worldwide.
Certain proteins produced by the bacteria in our
intestinal flora might increase our likelihood of
developing the disease. On the contrary, other bacteria
are thought to offer protection, by slowing down the
formation of amyloid plaques. Significant research is
being channeled into this area.
FECAL MICROBIOTA
TRANSPLANTATION FMT
A PROMISING APPROACH
This novel therapy consists of transferring fecal
microbiota from a healthy donor to the patient
FMT can be given through a colonoscope or
nasogastric tube or orally in capsule form
Several clinical trials are underway to assess
the impact of FMT on the evolution of chronic
andor very severe diseases
Under study…
The link between the existence of intestinal
dysbiosis and other disorders or diseases is
currently a hot research topic. Studies are
underway concerning Parkinson’s disease,
anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia, for example.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE
That’s the number of pathways
involved in gut-brain communication:
neural, endocrine, immune and
metabolic.
A KEY FIGURE
WHAT ARE
AMYLOID PLAQUES
33