Identifier: TFM:2508
Authors: Hincapie Vasquez, Daniela
Abstract:
Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation regarding cognitive function, clinical symptoms, and biological markers in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA statement. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, limiting studies to the last five years. Randomized clinical trials with a placebo group were included. Outcome measures encompassed cognitive tests (MMSE, MoCA, ADAS-Cog, RBANS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and gut microbiota composition. Analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and the Cochrane RoB 2 tool was used to assess risk of bias. Results: Out of 15,764 identified articles, 10 randomized clinical trials were selected, involving a total of 555 participants and intervention durations ranging from 8 to 24 weeks. Probiotic supplementation showed limited significance regarding cognition, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Similarly, no significant changes were observed in BDNF levels, although favorable modifications in gut microbiota were noted. However, the meta-analysis revealed high heterogeneity and non-significant average effects on global cognition. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation represents a promising adjunctive strategy for improving cognitive function, emotional state, and quality of life in patients with MCI and neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the evidence remains heterogeneous, and larger, more homogeneous clinical trials are required to confirm the effects of specific strains and their clinical relevance.
Repositori URV