Link Between Gut Microbiome, Food Insecurity, and Cognitive Decline in Adults

A recent study, involving researchers from Mount Sinai, has uncovered a significant connection between the composition of the gut microbiome and the risk of cognitive impairment among adults. The research highlights how social factors, such as food insecurity—which refers to limited or unpredictable access to nutritious food—may influence brain health through changes in gut bacteria.

This pioneering epidemiological study is the first to explore how food insecurity modifies the relationship between specific gut microbes and cognitive decline. Published in npj Aging, the research examined the role of food insecurity as an effect modifier in gut microbiota and its association with cognitive impairment (RCI). Findings indicated that individuals with less diverse gut microbiomes and particular imbalances in bacterial groups were more prone to cognitive issues. Furthermore, food insecurity was independently linked to poorer gut health and decreased cognitive function.

The study analyzed data from 360 adults participating in the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, focusing on food security status, cognitive performance, and stool samples analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing to identify bacterial populations. Advanced machine learning models identified specific groups of bacteria—called microbial cliques—that correlated with RCI. Notably, the presence of certain microbes like Eisenbergiella or Eubacterium showed a stronger association with cognitive issues in food-insecure individuals, whereas different microbial groups were associated with RCI in food-secure participants.

These results suggest that the impact of gut bacteria on brain health may vary depending on food security status, which could influence future microbiome-targeted interventions for cognitive decline. Experts emphasize that food insecurity isn't solely a socioeconomic concern but also a biological factor affecting brain health through gut microbiome alterations.

Policy implications include the need for integrated public health strategies that address nutritional access and support gut health. The researchers propose that future therapies could combine dietary improvements with microbiome modulation, especially in vulnerable populations more affected by food insecurity.

Cognitive impairment, including conditions such as mild cognitive decline and dementia, is on the rise among aging populations. Identifying social determinants like food insecurity as biological factors influencing brain health opens new pathways for preventive measures and personalized treatments.

Source: Medical Xpress