Gut-Brain Interactions in Neurodegeneration: Microbiota's Role in Cognitive Aging

The gut-brain axis is an intricate communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Recent advancements have shed light on how the composition and activity of the gut microbiome can influence the development and course of neurodegenerative conditions frequently seen in aging, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and various forms of Dementia. Emerging evidence highlights mechanisms involving microbiota-derived metabolites, immune system modulation, and neural signaling pathways as principal routes through which the gut influences brain health and function. Despite accelerating progress, there remain substantial gaps in our understanding of the exact causal mechanisms and their translation into viable prevention or treatment approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, questions persist regarding individual variation in microbiome profiles, the temporal dynamics of gut-brain communication throughout aging, and the potential to harness these insights for therapeutic interventions aimed at cognitive preservation.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted roles of the gut microbiome in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases among older adults. Through targeted investigation of microbial contributions to neurodegeneration, the objective is to identify novel molecular pathways, risk factors, and innovative intervention strategies that leverage the gut-brain axis. By advancing our understanding of these interconnected systems, this effort seeks to inform the development of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies addressing cognitive decline linked to neurodegeneration in aging populations.This Research Topic is focused on elucidating the boundaries between gut microbial dynamics and neurodegenerative pathophysiology by interrogating both mechanistic and translational questions. We welcome original research, reviews, minireview and perspectives articles addressing, but not limited to, the following thematic areas:o Mechanisms of microbial influence on neural pathwayso Role of gut-derived metabolites in cognitive declineo Impact of gastrointestinal inflammation on neurodegenerationo In vitro digestion studies on gut microbiota modulationo Preclinical studies of gut microbiota interventionso Clinical applications and therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota Topic editors: Katalin SZABO, Carmen R. Pop, Gianpietro Volonnino, Hariom Yadav Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/71239/gut-brain-interactions-in-neurodegeneration-microbiotas-role-in-cognitive-aging