Central News (CNA) - Researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have discovered that specific gut bacteria influence the deposition of amyloid-beta in the brain. Through various pathways including the bloodstream and nervous system, these bacteria subtly impact brain health, opening new directions for research into gut microbiota and dementia. NYCU announced in a press release today that Akkermansia muciniphila, a probiotic bacterium, has garnered significant attention in recent years. It is found in the gastrointestinal tracts of both humans and animals. Animal experiments have shown this bacterium is linked to weight regulation, can reduce inflammatory responses, and improve memory performance, suggesting its potential for protecting the brain. The NYCU research team utilized high-resolution genetic testing technology to identify 59 key gut bacterial species associated with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. They found that within the same bacterial family, some species were more abundant in individuals with normal cognition, while others were more prevalent in patients with cognitive impairment. These bacteria interact, cooperate, or compete with each other, forming complex ecological networks that collectively influence brain health. The research team analyzed fecal samples, Alzheimer's biomarkers, and brain imaging from 439 elderly individuals. They discovered that those with a higher abundance of the next-generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila in their gut had less amyloid-beta deposition in their brains. While the causal relationship requires further clarification, this suggests that gut microbiota may play a role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. The research findings have been published in an international journal. Professor Chuang Yi-fang from NYCU's Institute of Public Health, who led the study, stated that Alzheimer's research has focused for years on amyloid-beta deposition in the brain. New d