Potential of Probiotics in Enhancing Cognitive and Emotional Health
Researchers from the University of Almeria have published an interesting study highlighting the impact of probiotics on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy older adults. As the global population ages, cognitive decline becomes increasingly prevalent, prompting the need for innovative strategies to address this issue. The study, recently published and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04828421), investigates the efficacy of a multi-species probiotic formulation in mitigating age-related cognitive and emotional decline.
The research team conducted a rigorous randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 33 participants recruited between July 2020 and April 2022. Participants underwent a 10-week intervention where they consumed the assigned probiotic product daily. This was followed by a 4-week washout period before switching to the placebo condition.
The probiotic formulation tested included Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Psychological Experiments Construction Language Test Battery. Emotional health was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
The results of the study were promising, indicating significant improvements in various aspects of cognitive and emotional health:
- Cognitive Function: Participants showed noticeable enhancements in cognitive function, with a mean difference of 1.90 (95% CI 1.09 to 2.70, p < 0.005) as measured by the MMSE.
- Memory: Memory performance also improved significantly, with a mean difference of 4.60 (95% CI 2.91 to 6.29, p < 0.005).
- Depressive Symptoms: There was a marked reduction in depressive symptoms, with a mean difference of 4.09 (95% CI 1.70 to 6.48, p < 0.005).
- Executive Functions: Enhancements were observed in planning and problem-solving skills, selective attention, cognitive flexibility, impulsivity, and inhibitory ability.
This study underscores the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic approach to enhance cognitive and emotional health in older adults. While the findings are encouraging, the researchers emphasize the need for further scientific evidence to substantiate probiotics' role in countering cognitive decline.
Join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October in Malta to know more about the gut-brain axis.
Photo credits: kjpargeter - Freepik.
