Abstract

Objectives:

To outline the most recent data regarding diet in the role in moderating prevention and progression of Alzheimer’s disease using the relationship between the gut microbiome and central nervous system. In addition, the Mediterranean diet and the components that make up the diet, and those alike will be thoroughly discussed.

Evidence Acquisition:

Using key terms “Alzheimer’s Disease” and “Diet”, Web of Science searched for papers that were published between 2012 and 2023, which yielded 807 results. Refining the search to “Neurodegenerative Diseases” returned 292 results. Adding “Gut-brain axis”, “gut microbiome”, and “Mediterranean diet” to separate search inputs yielded 25 sources that were selected for this paper.

Evidence Synthesis:

An analysis of current research reveals a relationship between the central nervous system and the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiome that makes up the gut-brain axis has a variety of inflammatory markers that influence and regulate the health of neurons along the central nervous system and influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have shown that dysregulation of the gut microbiome is linked to neuroinflammation which induces neural degeneration. 1 With this, researchers began investigating how diet could affect and possibly protect neural degeneration by restoring the gut microbiome. The data present that the Mediterranean, Ketogenic, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and combined diets delay cognitive decline and provide neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s disease patients. 2

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Document Type

Master's Project

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Physician Assistant (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Physician Assistant

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

Nancy Valantage

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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