Gut bacteria molecule ImP linked to higher Alzheimer's risk

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that imidazole propionate (ImP), a compound produced by gut bacteria, promotes accumulation of beta amyloid and tau proteins in the brain and is tied to faster cognitive decline. People with higher blood ImP levels showed more dementia-related biomarkers, and 43% of study participants carried a genetic variant that raises the compound's concentration.

• In mice, ImP increased beta amyloid and tau accumulation in the brain
• People with high blood ImP showed faster cognitive decline
• 43% of participants carried a genetic variant raising ImP levels
• Researchers propose lowering ImP with drugs, similar to statins