A meta-analysis on the correlation between dysbiosis and mental health: the effects of probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics on memory, with a specific focus on Alzheimer’s disease
Date
2021
Authors
Nel, Neeske
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Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) influences the elderly in all societies of the world, both due
to its prevalence and influence on quality of life. Considering that no cure is currently
available and several theories regarding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
exist, it is worth considering the use of supplementary probiotics/ prebiotics/
synbiotics due to the possibility of a gut-brain link. This research attempted to find
more certainty about the use of probiotics/ prebiotics/ synbiotics as a supplementary
treatment for memory impairment –specifically in AD/dementia –from already
existing studies. Data was pooled using a random effects meta-analysis to find the
overall outcomes from included studies for total cognition as well as subsets of
neurocognitive functions. The overall results for short term and delayed memory
proved a small but significantly improved standardized mean difference of
experimental outcomes compared to control outcomes, whereas the total cognition
scores were significant, but had too much heterogeneity among the included study
results, indicating inconsistency of intervention effects across studies. It was
concluded that ingestion of microbial supplements may be beneficial as
supplementary treatment for AD patients, but larger scale studies are needed
Description
A research report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Science in Medicine (Pharmacotherapy) to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021