Brazilian researchers recently reviewed the effects of probiotic kefir on Alzheimer’s disease. Since there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most prevalent type of dementia, researchers are looking for novel ways to prevent and combat the condition. In their review, the researchers incorporated seven studies, one of which involved human subjects. Despite the small study population, the researchers discovered that kefir may alleviate symptoms. The idea that gut health may be crucial to brain health, including preventing and lessening the symptoms of dementia, is being supported by an increasing amount of evidence as researchers learn more about how to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

In light of this, Brazilian researchers recently examined some studies to determine whether kefir might be helpful for Alzheimer’s patients as a supplement. Because kefir has a distinct microbial makeup, the scientists wanted to investigate it further because probiotics promote gut health, which is thought to affect brain health. Even though they could only include a small number of studies in their review, the scientists were encouraged by the findings. According to one human study, taking kefir supplements enhanced memory and cognitive function. 7 million individuals in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease, and in the next 25 years, this number is expected to nearly double. Scientists constantly search for methods to lessen the effects of Alzheimer’s disease because of the toll it takes on people’s bodies, minds, and finances.

Several studies have looked into the potential benefits of probiotics for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and the researchers in this review wanted to find out if probiotic kefir might help. Probiotics are crucial for gut health because they can boost the microbiome’s beneficial bacteria, which can help the heart, immune system, and other bodily systems. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, as well as in beverages like kefir, which is a fermented milk beverage. Kefir grains are fermented with both dairy and non-dairy milk to produce kefir. Kefir stood out, according to the review authors, because it has a symbiotic relationship between yeast and bacteria.

The researchers searched several databases for research on neurodegenerative diseases and kefir. Seven studies were found after they filtered their search results; two of these involved flies, four involved rodents, and one involved humans. The researchers wanted to know how kefir might affect oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive function. Oxidative stress is a process that increases in the brain as people age and can lead to dementia, according to the 2016 review. The review authors assessed the potential effects of kefir as an adjuvant treatment for Alzheimer’s disease after examining the various models. Kefir may have potential cognitive benefits, according to animal studies. This was shown in both the fly and rodent studies.

The effects of kefir on the gut microbiota and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway were examined in one of the rodent studies. This is important because Alzheimer’s disease is linked to the TLR4 pathway. This investigation demonstrated that kefir significantly reduced TLR4 expression. As a result, neuroinflammation decreased, safeguarding brain tissue and enhancing cognitive performance. Another study on rodents examined the effects of kefir when combined with a stem cell therapy treatment for Alzheimer’s disease; this also led to a reduction in neuroinflammation. Kefir was examined in the other two rodent studies using either simvastatin, a drug that lowers cholesterol, or pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug. These two provided protective advantages.

Both fly studies examined the effects of kefir on motor skills, and one study examined the effects of kefir on amyloid buildup. One characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is beta-amyloid plaques. The fly study revealed a decrease in amyloid accumulation, indicating that kefir might be used as an adjuvant therapy. Supplementing with kefir improved the motor skills of both fly models. This could be helpful for those who have Alzheimer’s disease because their motor skills gradually deteriorate. Dr. Gliebus explained that kefir may help maintain brain health by restoring a balanced gut microbiome, lowering systemic inflammation, and fortifying the gut barrier, which can limit neuroinflammation.

The antioxidant qualities of kefir’s bioactive ingredients may shield neurons from oxidative damage. This defense may slow down neurodegeneration by maintaining mitochondrial and synaptic function. Gliebus clarified how kefir might be beneficial, but he also pointed out that more research is required to fully understand the relationship between probiotics and Alzheimer’s disease. Kefir’s ability to modulate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress through the gut-brain axis makes it a promising adjunct therapy, according to the review. However, Gliebus stressed that the available data is still very preliminary. Despite the compelling biological justification, more thorough clinical research is required before kefir is suggested as a standard part of [Alzheimer’s] treatment.

We are still learning how kefir might affect individuals with Alzheimer’s, even though preliminary research, primarily conducted on animals and in lab settings, indicates that it may help lower oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Although it’s encouraging, more clinical studies are required before we can offer firm recommendations. Salinas added that it might be beneficial to concentrate on lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. By promoting brain health and general well-being, dietary interventions like kefir may enhance these treatments, according to Salinas. People who are at risk or who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may benefit most from a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement.