Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependency among older adults worldwide. Resulting from various diseases and injuries affecting the brain, it is currently the seventh leading cause of death.
As of 2021, approximately 57 million people globally were living with dementia, with over 60 per cent residing in low- and middle-income countries. Dementia impairs memory, thinking, and daily functioning, progressively worsening over time. It has significant physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts—not only on those affected but also on their caregivers, families, and society at large.
In 2024, the Lancet Commission on Dementia identified 14 factors that reliably increase the risk of developing the condition. These include physical health risks such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and traumatic brain injury, as well as psychological and social factors like depression and isolation.
While there is no cure for dementia, preventive measures can help reduce the risk. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing blood pressure and diabetes, and staying socially engaged are all essential for brain health.
Notably, there is growing interest in the research community in exploring the link between dementia and the gut microbiome. The gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system between the gut and brain, involving the nervous system, immune system, hormones, and gut microbiome—is believed to play a crucial role in regulating mood, cognition, and overall brain function. But now, researchers are also exploring the possibility to reverse the damage cause by dementia by studying this axis.
A group of scientists at the Quadram Institute and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the UK is currently investigating ways to slow the progression of dementia by targeting the gut microbiome. Their research focuses on whether it is possible to slow or even reverse some of the factors that contribute to dementia by examining how gut microbes change with age. They are exploring the potential of combating the disease by altering diets or transplanting beneficial microbes from healthy donors.
Meanwhile, here are some science-backed strategies to support a healthy gut-brain axis and reduce the risk of dementia:
Eat gut-friendly foods: Include fibre, fermented foods, and Omega-3s.
Manage stress: Practice meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours to maintain microbiome balance.
Engage in regular exercise: Moderate physical activity enhances gut-brain signalling.
Avoid self-medication, excessive antibiotics, and processed foods: These can disrupt microbial diversity.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports digestion and neurotransmitter production.