The gut microbiota-brain axis role in neurodegenerative diseases and implications according to the sex

Research overview

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Recent advancements in neurodegenerative research have embraced a multisystemic approach, emphasizing the role of the gut microbiota and its interactions with various systems, including the central nervous system. This review explores the interactions between the gut–brain axis and neurodegenerative neurological disorders, with a particular focus on the potential influence of sex. Despite increased life expectancy, the chronological ceiling of human well-being remains unchanged, implying that conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease will continue to affect individuals for extended periods as lifespans increase. Understanding the microbiota-gut-brain axis in relation to neurodegenerative diseases may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches. Emerging research suggests that sex-related variations in gut microbiota and the influence of sex hormones may impact the manifestation and progression of several neurodegenerative conditions; however, sex-stratified human data remain limited for many of these disorders. This review updates the current knowledge on neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and dementia with Lewy bodies and highlights both existing evidence and current gaps regarding sex-specific microbiota–brain interactions. Future research should focus on exploring microbial therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of predominantly age-related neurodegenerative disorders, as well as gender-specific variations in gut microbiota. In this context, the EU-funded project MEMOIR will investigate the impact of a healthy diet on gut microbiota and the progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment.

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