The microbiome & dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does the gut microbiome influence risk of getting dementia?
IRAS ID
270427
Contact name
Antony Bayer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University Research and Commercial Division
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
The human microbiome describes the trillions of microorganisms populating our intestine. These microbes play fundamental roles in controlling aspects of host immunity. Recent research demonstrates that gut bacteria influence brain functions by interacting with the immune system and controlling inflammation in body and brain.
This study will explore if people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) have different gut bacteria compared to healthy people, and could these bacteria play a role in progression.
We will address three questions:
1. Do people with MCI or mild AD have the same types of gut bacteria as healthy people? We will take stool samples from up to 30-40 people with MCI/mild AD dementia and a similar number of healthy controls. Using molecular biology and metabolic techniques, we will "fingerprint" the microbiota composition and the metabolic signature, looking for differences in the bacterial composition and metabolic signature between the two groups of participants.
2. Is the rate of progression of MCI/mild dementia associated with the set of bacteria or metabolic signature in their gut? After 12 months, we will clinically reassess all patients. We will examine whether there were differences in the bacterial composition and metabolic signature taken at first visit between those who progress rapidly compared to those that progress more slowly.
3. Are specific types of bacteria or metabolites associated with higher risk of progression? Having identified bacteria or metabolites associated with progression (or non-progression), we will grow the species (or use the specific metabolite) under lab conditions and analyse the substances that they produce to identify potential drivers (or inhibitors) of neuroinflammation and degeneration.
The project will enable us to gather preliminary data to support a major project, with a view to confirming findings in larger numbers and exploring modification of the microbiome to develop effective AD treatments.Summary of Results
Some individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease progress quickly whilst others do not. This pilot study aimed to look for differences in the microbiome/microbiota that might predict progression and/or rate of progression. Recruitment to the study was significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic, but 36 participants (19 patients/17 controls) provided saliva and faecal samples and underwent baseline cognitive assessment before recruitment closed. All but two patients were available and provided follow up data at 12 months. Analysis of results is ongoing.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
19/WA/0338
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion