Unlocking the mind-gut connection: Impact of human microbiome on cognition

Abstract

This perspective explores the current understanding of the gut microbiota's impact on cognitive function in apparently healthy humans and in individuals with metabolic disease. We discuss how alterations in gut microbiota can influence cognitive processes, focusing not only on bacterial composition but also on often overlooked components of the gut microbiota, such as bacteriophages and eukaryotes, as well as microbial functionality. We examine the mechanisms through which gut microbes might communicate with the central nervous system, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. We provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of microbiota-gut-brain interactions and its significance for cognitive health. Additionally, we summarize novel therapeutic strategies designed to promote cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of cognitive disorders, focusing on interventions that target the gut microbiota. An in-depth understanding of the microbiome-brain axis is imperative for developing innovative treatments aimed at improving cognitive health

This work was partially funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Madrid, Spain) through the project PI15/01934, PI18/01022, PI21/01361) to J.M.F.-R. and the projects PI20/01090 and PI23/00575 (co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. “A way to make Europe”) to J.M.-P., the project CNS2023-144218 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR to JM-P, the grants SAF2015-65878-R from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the Catalan Government (AGAUR, #2017 SGR- 734, ICREA Academia Award 2022 to J.M.F.R.), CIBERobn is also co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. J.M.-P. was funded by the Miguel Servet Program from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII CP18/00009), co-funded by the European Social Fund “Investing in your future.” A.C.N is funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Madrid, Spain) the Sara Borrell Program CD20/00051 (co-funded by the European Union under the European Social Fund “Investing in your future”)