---
title: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Certain Neurodegenerative Diseases
description: Changes in the gut microbiome, including reduced Prevotellaceae and altered dopamine pathways, are linked to Parkinson's disease, and probiotics may help.
---

[Evidence-based Wellness Education](https://www.casi.org/articles)

# [Recent Review Explores Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Certain Neurodegenerative Diseases](https://www.casi.org/articles/gut-microbiome-and-certain-neurodegenerative-diseases)

 Written by [Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT](https://www.casi.org/articles/author/cory-ambrose-nd-mat) | Jan 6, 2023, 5:00:00 AM

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with brain changes, deficits in motor function, nonmotor symptoms, and [cognitive decline](https://www.dynamed.com/condition/parkinson-disease). PD is characterized by [motor dysfunctions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/) including rigidity, tremor, and postural instability, and other symptoms such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, constipation, and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Inflammation, [mitochondrial dysfunction](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35235774/), and oxidative damage have been linked to PD. [Recent evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome may influence PD. 

A recently published review article by [Mirzaei and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) explored the relationship between PD and probiotic supplementation. Multiple [research studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/) have correlated changes in the gut microbiome with certain aspects of PD progression. The gut microbiome may influence cognitive functioning through many different pathways including neural, metabolic, neuroendocrine, and [immune](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34450312/). The immune system has been shown to have a bidirectional influence on the gut-brain axis; levels of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 may be modulated indirectly by certain microbiota and [probiotics](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25772005/). In the [hypothalamus](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25772005/), IL-1 and IL-6 may then regulate the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone, a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Reduced populations of species in the [*Prevotellaceae* family](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/) in the gut microbiome have been linked to the incidence of PD. *Prevotellaceae* play a role in the synthesis of neuroactive short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) including [butyrate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/), propionate, and acetate, as well as the release of folate and thiamine. Changes in butyrate concentrations may influence [intestinal permeability](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/). Intestinal permeability may then increase bacterial endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which can lead to the overexpression and aggregation of alpha-synuclein, which is a protein linked to [neuroinflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/), motor deficits, and PD.

[Dopamine deficiency](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) is a hallmark feature of PD. Changes in [dopamine levels](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/) are also associated with the gut microbiome. Almost half of the dopamine in the body is produced in the [GI tract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/). Changes in the gut microbiome have been shown to affect the production of [dopamine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/) through its influence on ghrelin. SCFAs were recently shown to help modulate [ghrelin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33968794/) levels. 

GI microbes have also been shown to produce [ferulic acid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/), a molecule that helps modulate the inflammatory response. Ferulic acid helps suppress reactive oxygen species and apoptotic activity through several pathways including the expression of [caspase-3](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/). 

Probiotic supplementation may support the production of neurotransmitters, a healthy inflammatory response, and healthy [brain-derived neurotrophic factor](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) (BDNF) levels. Reduced levels of [BDNF](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) have been associated with dopaminergic cell death in PD. A supplement containing *Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium bifidum* was associated with improvement in certain [symptoms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) related to PD in clinical studies. In animal studies, probiotic supplementation was shown to help improve motor impairment in PD animal models; improvements in [spatial memory](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/) and rotational behavior were also noted.

Daily administration of *Streptococcus thermophilus* and *Lactobacillus plantarum* was shown to help improve [motor skills](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/). Another study involving *Clostridium butyricum* reported improvements in gait patterns, motor coordination, and [balance](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283340/). 

More clinical research is needed, particularly with standardized probiotic strains. However, research suggests that probiotics may help support certain aspects of brain health, cognitive function, and potentially play a supportive role in certain age-related neurodegenerative illnesses. 

[View full post](https://www.casi.org/articles/gut-microbiome-and-certain-neurodegenerative-diseases)

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