Scientists Link Brain Aging to Gut Microbiome Patterns

A UCLA Health study of nearly 1,500 adults tied resting brain activity patterns to gut bacteria and their metabolites. A higher Brain Aging Index correlated with worse working memory, focus and more depressive symptoms. Biological signs of brain aging may appear decades before cognitive symptoms.

• Study analyzed resting brain scans of nearly 1,500 adults across three groups
• Higher Brain Aging Index linked to worse working memory, focus and depression symptoms
• Brain aging correlated with specific gut bacteria and metabolites, including estetrol
• Implicated pathways involve immunity, blood vessels, neuron signaling and cell energy