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Although research on the gut-brain axis has surged, the role of intestinal inflammation, such as IBD, in speeding up cognitive decline among individuals with existing dementia remains poorly understood. A recent study investigates the gut-brain axis, focusing on ways to enhance and better manage this condition.
The gut-brain axis is an intricate network of pathways that transmit information through various signals. Emerging scientific evidence highlights the ongoing bidirectional communication between the brain and gut.Prior studies indicate that gut inflammation may promote dementia development by inducing systemic inflammation and impairing gut-brain communication pathways.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, complex condition marked by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, commonly causing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and altered bowel habits. It has been found that older adults with chronic gastrointestinal inflammation may experience an earlier onset of dementia compared to those without the condition.
In the study, the participants consisted of people with pre-existing dementia who were later diagnosed with IBD. Researchers compared this group to a control group of over 1,000 individuals with dementia but without an IBD diagnosis. Cognitive function changes were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination.
The findings revealed that individuals with both dementia and IBD experienced a markedly accelerated decline in cognitive function, which became more pronounced following the IBD diagnosis. On average, those with both conditions scored approximately one point lower per year on cognitive assessments compared to those with only dementia.
The results indicate that effective management of IBD is crucial not only for gastrointestinal health but also potentially for preserving long-term neurological function. Additional research is required to fully elucidate the connection and the effects of IBD treatments on dementia risk.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Inflammatory bowel disease linked to accelerated cognitive decline in individuals with dementia: a nationwide cohort study
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