Gut Microbiota and Probiotics in Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Therapeutic Potential – A Review of Literature

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Despite advances in modern medicine, effective therapeutic strategies capable of preventing and treating patients suffering from AD are still being actively sought. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a significant role in the development and progression of AD through inflammatory, metabolic, and immune-mediated mechanisms. Aim: This review aims to summarize current evidence regarding the association between the gut microbiome, its metabolites, and Alzheimer’s disease, and to discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota in the prevention and management of AD. Materials and Methods: The literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: Alzheimer’s disease, gut microbiota, gut microbiome, dysbiosis, gut-brain axis. Results: To date, the majority of findings suggest that modulation of gut microbiota composition through probiotic supplementation may represent a promising approach for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies in Alzheimer’s disease. Probiotics appear effective in stabilizing or reconstructing gut microbial homeostasis, potentially delaying the progression of neurodegenerative pathology. Nevertheless, a review of the literature reveals a deficit of clinical trials evaluating the effects of probiotic supplementation in individuals with AD. Conclusions: To date, prevailing evidence suggests that modulation of gut microbiota composition using probiotics constitutes a promising approach for the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies in Alzheimer’s disease.