Probiotics in Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Effect of Probiotics on Cognitive Functioning of Patients With Mild Alzheimer's Disease

The main objective is to investigate whether administration of probiotics to patients with mild Alzheimer's Disease (AD) reduces neuroinflammation, improves cognitive function and modifies neurophysiological measures, compared to a patient group that receives placebo (no active probiotics).

We will measure specific blood inflammatory markers (primary outcome), neurophysiological activity, cognitive test scores, microbiome composition and dietary habits of participants in the probiotics and placebo group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ≥65 years, able to give consent
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores 19-23 (mild AD)
• approximately equal male:female ratio

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to give consent
• other neurological disease
• relevant psychiatric disorders (e.g. major depression)
• gastrointestinal/metabolic conditions
• history of alcohol/substance dependence
• use of systemic antibiotics in the previous 6 months
• corticosteroid use
• immune stimulating medications
• immunosuppressive agents
• probiotics consumption in the previous 6 months.
• immunosuppression
• structural heart disease
• neutropenia
• radiation
• active intestinal disease