Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: Are Probiotics the Next Frontier in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, historically considered exclusively as a neurological condition treated primarily with cholinergic and glutamatergic inhibitors. Recent evidence highlights the significant influence of peripheral systems, particularly the gut-brain axis, on AD pathology. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in both physiological and psychological functions, and its interactions may impact the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative processes. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches such as probiotics and prebiotics, offer promising avenues for intervention. This review synthesizes current literature and illustrative data to elucidate the connections among the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotection, and their implications for the pathogenesis and potential treatment of AD.