Microbiota and Alzheimer’s disease: mechanistic insights from a multi-organ perspective

TL;DR

This review explores how imbalances in the body's microbiota may contribute to Alzheimer's disease and suggests microbiota-targeting treatments as potential new strategies.

Contribution

Introduces the 'Multi-Axis Co-Regulation' concept and evaluates microbial biomarkers for early Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Findings

Microbial imbalances in multiple body sites may drive Alzheimer's through host–microbiota interactions.

Microbiota-targeting interventions show promise for precision prevention and treatment of AD.

Early diagnostic potential exists through microbial biomarkers.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder driven by multifactorial mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that dysbiosis, a term denoting an imbalance in the composition of the microbiota, may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD across multiple bodily sites, including the gut, oral cavity, nasal passages, lungs, and skin. Microbial imbalances may promote neuroinflammation, immune dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances through complex host–microbiota networks. This review synthesizes current advances in the understanding of microbiota-driven modulation of AD, introduces the “Multi-Axis Co-Regulation” concept, and evaluates microbial biomarkers for early diagnosis. Finally, the translational potential of microbiota-targeting interventions, including probiotics, dietary modulation, fecal microbiota transplantation, and oral microbiome-based therapies, are discussed, which represent novel strategies for precision prevention and treatment of AD.

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