How gut bacteria may affect brain health in memory loss

Researchers are investigating whether the bacteria living in your gut affect your brain health and memory. This study will collect samples from your gut and take detailed brain scans to explore the connection between gut bacteria, certain gut-produced chemicals, and brain function across different stages of memory change—from normal thinking to Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists have noticed that people with memory problems often have different gut bacteria than those without memory problems, but no one fully understands how or why. This research aims to fill that gap by mapping the relationship between gut health and brain changes, which could eventually lead to new ways to detect or prevent memory loss early on.