P828 - PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE THROUGH GUT-BRAIN AXIS MODULATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

P828

PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE THROUGH GUT-BRAIN AXIS MODULATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

L. A. Caballero^1,*

¹University of Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain

Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Growing evidence supports the role of the gut microbiota in brain function and inflammation, suggesting that modulating the gut-brain axis may offer therapeutic potential. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function and systemic inflammation in patients with AD.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2013 and 2023 that evaluated probiotic interventions in AD patients. Seven RCTs involving 462 participants were included. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) and biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and triglycerides were analyzed. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and GRADE methodology.

Results: Probiotic supplementation significantly improved MMSE scores (SMD = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25–0.62; p < 0.05), reduced hs-CRP levels (SMD = -0.60; 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.30; p < 0.001), and lowered triglyceride levels (SMD = -1.33; 95% CI: -2.12 to -0.55; p < 0.001). Publication bias was low. Notably, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium breve A1 were associated with improvements in cognitive performance and inflammation reduction.

Conclusion: Probiotics may serve as a promising adjunct therapy in AD management by modulating the gut-brain axis, improving cognition, and reducing inflammation. However, the heterogeneity in strains, dosages, and study populations highlights the need for future research to identify optimal formulations and intervention strategies tailored to AD phenotypes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared