diagram of gut-brain connection

Unisen Participates in USF Study

Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 8:02 AM EDT

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Have you ever heard someone say, ”I have a gut feeling about that?” Well, it turns out your gut may know more than your brain when it comes to some things. In fact, some researchers believe by controlling the good bacteria in your gut, you can stave off cognitive decline.
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“I feel like I’m about 42 and a half,” said Michael Brown.

Add 23 and a half years to that and you have Brown’s real age. Brown is increasing his exercise routine and focusing on his diet, which some researchers say is key to taking care of not only your body but also your brain. “There is a natural abundance of the good and the bad bacteria there living together,” said Hariom Yadav, Ph.D., an associate professor of neurosurgery and brain repair at USF Institute for Microbiomes. “The bad guys grow much faster than the good guys. The microbiome is very different in the people who are at high risk of developing dementia,” said Yadav.

Studies show the gut microbiome may affect executive brain function, including its influence on cognition, depression and anxiety. Ninety-five percent of serotonin and 50% of dopamine are produced in the gut. Those are the feel-good neurotransmitters that help to regulate our moods. Researchers are working to find a way to read each individual’s own microbiome signature and create personalized probiotic drinks and foods to help restore the balance.

“Our hope is by offering or correcting the microbiome abnormalities early enough, it will delay or prevent the cognitive decline or dementia progress,” said Yadav.

“I’m trying to control the aging process, right. I don’t want to get old,” said Brown.

Researchers at USF are launching a research study for people who are concerned about their brain health, cognitive impairment and dementia and the link to their gut health. They will track alterations in the gut microbiomes to see if certain biomarkers can accurately predict which individuals are most likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. To find out more, email jains10@usf.edu .

Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor
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