Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition the most common cause of dementia.
Overview
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of cases worldwide (WHO, 2023).It’s a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by memory loss, impaired thinking, andbehavioural changes. Early signs include difficulty remembering recent events, while later stages affect independence and basic function.
Common Misunderstandings
Many believe memory loss is just “part of ageing,” but dementia is not inevitable. Families often struggle with uncertainty, personality changes, and the emotional toll of gradual decline.
How is Alzheimer's Disease Linked to Your Microbiome?
- Multiple studies report altered gut microbiome composition in people with AD, including reduced diversity and changes in bacteria involved in anti-inflammatory metabolites (Li et al., 2019).
- Gut dysbiosis may influence neuroinflammation via the gut–brain axis, including immune signalling and bacterial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (Kowalski & Mulak, 2019).
- Certain oral pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis) have been detected in the brains of AD patients, raising questions about chronic infection as a potential contributor (Dominy et al., 2019).
- Research is ongoing to determine whether microbiome modulation could slow disease progression — current evidence supports an associative rather than causal role.
Symptoms
Memory loss
Especially for recent events
Difficulty finding words or following conversations
Confusion about time or place
Mood or personality changes
Trouble managing daily tasks
The Microbiome Clinic™
We do not treat or cure Alzheimer’s, but can work alongside your healthcare team. Our treatment approach for Alzheimer's Disease includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
The Gut Microbiome Test identifies imbalances and pathogens in the gut flora to reduce systemic inflammation.
Oral Microbiome Test
The Oral Microbiome Test identifies imbalances and pathogens in the gut flora to address oral health and periodontal care.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Provide nutrition strategies for a fibre-rich, microbiome-friendly diet that supports the other interventions.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease?
References
Li B, et al. Gut microbiota dysbiosis in AD. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2019;5:41. doi:10.1038/s41531-019-0090-1
Kowalski K, Mulak A. Gut microbiota in AD. Front Neurol. 2019;10:240. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00240
Dominy SS, et al. P. gingivalis in AD brains. Sci Adv. 2019;5(1):eaau3333. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aau3333