Which Neurological Disorders Are Linked to Gut Microbiota?
Several neurological disorders have been linked to alterations in gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis. These include:
Parkinson's Disease: Patients often exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms years before motor symptoms appear. Dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease through mechanisms such as α-synuclein aggregation and neuroinflammation. Alzheimer's Disease: Dysbiosis may contribute to amyloid-beta accumulation and neuroinflammation, exacerbating cognitive decline. Multiple Sclerosis: Altered gut microbiota can influence the immune system, promoting autoimmunity and demyelination. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Gut microbiota alterations are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and may affect brain development and function through the gut-brain axis. Depression: Dysbiosis may lead to chronic inflammation and altered neurotransmitter levels, contributing to depressive symptoms.