Julie Andersen: Could better gut health help prevent Alzheimer's?

Cognitive decline is an all-too-familiar hallmark of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While there is much research that focuses exclusively on functional changes in the brain, the so-called gut-brain axis  - a connection between the digestive system and the central nervous system - also appears to play a pivotal role. It raises the question: Could nutritional interventions, to nurture the health of the gut microbiome, also help prevent or reverse age-related dementia?  In 2018, Dr. Julie Andersen, a scientist at the Buck Institute for Research On Aging, in California, received a $3.8 million grant to explore the hypothesis.  In this LLAMA podcast episode, Dr. Andersen discusses the work of her laboratory, and the idea that a gut metabolite, urolithin A, could play an important role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Recorded: February 9, 2021 | Read a transcript and show notes at the LLAMA podcast website.Topics covered in this interview include:Working at the Buck Institute for Research On Aging - the only freestanding institute studying aging and age-related disease.A multi-disciplinary approach to aging research, embracing a range of diseases and mechanisms that drive-age related conditions. Evolving definitions of aging.Exploring autophagy, mitochondrial function, urolithin A and muscle health, in relation to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The science and logic behind restoring an older person's gut microbiome to that of a younger person. Building on "exciting" clinical trials, by Amazentis, looking at the efficacy, in older humans, of Urolithin A, to enhance muscle function.Exploring the relatively new area of study known as the gut-brain axis.Explaining the scientific process, grants and clinical trials.How preliminary preclinical trial data suggests urolithin fed to mice may prevent cognitive loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.  Turning 60 and aspirations for a long healthspan. This episode is brought to you in association with Amazentis, a Swiss life science company, that is pioneering cutting edge, clinically validated cellular nutrition, under its Timeline brand.Related episodes:David Katz: Robust health beyond the pandemicStuart Phillips: Boosting physical strength as we ageStephanie Blum: Embracing and marketing the science of wellbeingJohan Auwerx: Enjoying youthful vitality as we ageNavindra Seeram: The rejuvenating power of plantsPatrick Aebischer: A novel molecule to promote longevityAnurag Singh: Pomegranates, muscle mass and healthy agingThe Live Long and Master Aging podcast shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.Support the showThe Live Long podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.