Abstract:

Recent studies have revealed an association between the dysregulation of the gut
microbiome and dementia. However, whether this dysregulation is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of cognitive decline, in patients without dementia remains unclear. We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine the association between the gut microbiome and MCI. Data, including patient demographics, risk factors, cognitive function, and brain imaging, were collected. The gut microbiome was assessed through terminal restriction fragment
length polymorphism analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used
to identify factors independently associated with MCI. Graphical modelling was used to illustrate mutual associations between MCI and identified factors. We analysed 82 patients, 61 of whom exhibited MCI. Patients with MCI had a higher prevalence of Bacteroides. Furthermore, patients with more Bacteroides were more
likely to present with white matter hyperintensity and high voxel-based specific
regional analysis system for Alzheimer's Disease (VSRAD) scores, indicating cortical and hippocampal atrophy. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a greater prevalence of Bacteroides was independently associated with MCI. Graphical modelling also showed a close association between Bacteroides and MCI. In conclusion, an increased prevalence of Bacteroides is independently associated with the presence of MCI in patients without dementia.

日本語要旨:

認知症未発症のもの忘れ外来患者を対象に、認知機能と腸内細菌の組成を解析した。その結果、軽度認知障害と腸内細菌の組成変化は独立した関連を示した。