The link between gut health and neurodegenerative disorders: the importance of the microbiota

The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, plays an essential role in human health by influencing metabolism, immune function, and the gut-brain axis.Emerging evidence links gut dysbiosis (imbalance) to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease.Mechanistic pathways include the propagation of amyloidogenic proteins, production of neurotoxic metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide, and intestinal permeability disruption.This review highlights key mechanisms and explores therapies such as fecal microbiota therapy, probiotics, and lifestyle changes to modulate the microbiota and slow neurodegeneration.Despite significant advances, further research is essential to fully understand the microbiota's role in neurodegeneration and to develop microbiota-targeted therapies for clinical application.