Could better gut health help prevent Alzheimer's? | Dr. Julie Andersen

Cognitive decline is an all-too-familiar hallmark of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. ***First published FEBRUARY 15, 2021*** @ LLAMApodcast.com While there is much research that focuses exclusively on functional changes in the brain, the so-called gut-brain axis – a connection between the digestive system and the central nervous system – also appears to play a pivotal role. It raises the question: Could nutritional interventions, to nurture the health of the gut microbiome, also help prevent or reverse age-related dementia? In 2018, Dr. Julie Andersen, a scientist at the Buck Institute for Research On Aging, in California, received a $3.8 million grant to explore the hypothesis. In this LLAMA podcast episode, Dr. Andersen discusses the work of her laboratory, and the idea that a gut metabolite, urolithin A, could play an important role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. CHAPTERS 02:18 Working at the Buck Institute for Research On Aging 3:34 A multi-disciplinary approach to aging research 07:44 Evolving definitions of aging 12:30 Exploring autophagy, mitochondrial function, urolithin A and muscle health, in relation to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease 17:18 The science and logic behind restoring an older person’s gut microbiome to that of a younger person 20:14 Building on “exciting” clinical trials, by Amazentis, looking at the efficacy, in older humans, of Urolithin A, to enhance muscle function 25:07 Exploring the relatively new area of study known as the gut-brain axis 26:09 Explaining the scientific process, grants and clinical trials- 33:00 How preliminary preclinical trial data suggests urolithin fed to mice may prevent cognitive loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease 42:40 Turning 60 and aspirations for a long healthspan This episode is a co-production with Timeline, the Swiss longevity biotech company which is pioneering a new category of clinically validated dietary supplements called mitoceuticals, to support healthy aging. Mitopure deliverers Urolithin A which has been shown to enhance cellular energy, muscle strength and the health of our skin. Time-line is offering a 10% discount on its Mitopure products - Mitopure Powder, Softgels, Mitopure + Protein and skin creams - which support improvements in mitochondrial function and muscle strength. Use the code LLAMA at checkout here: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/LLAMA RELATED EPISODES ▸ Empowering women through biology | Dr. Stephanie Estima, NP https://youtu.be/WYYswfO7ZbE ▸ Prioritizing health through sleep and nutrition | Cynthia Thurlow, NP https://youtu.be/Q8RqSPS8Qeg ▸ Energizing life through dietary interventions | Dr. Terry Wahls https://youtu.be/LdWPUELe-D4 ▸ Dr.Felice Gersh - Hormones and mitochondria drive healthy aging https://youtu.be/5EJLilCexmY ▸ Jen Scheinman, RDN - Why we love our mitochondria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuLvb3c3tpI&t=22s ▸ Dr. Anurag Singh - Chief Medical Officer with Timeline Boosting strength, stamina and skin health https://youtu.be/1krquk5EW0Q ▸ Dr. Davide D'Amico - Research and Development Group Leader, Timeline Harnessing nature for better human health https://youtu.be/NfywEOGufy8 ▸ Dr. Chris Rinsch - co-founder Amazentis (Timeline parent company) Unlocking the power of advanced nutrition https://youtu.be/3_mj_XwD8us ▸ Prof. Patrick Aebischer - Chairman & Co-Founder, Amazentis: A novel molecule to promote longevity https://youtu.be/tUzhrlIWQ70 ▸ Dr. Anurag Singh - Chief Medical Officer with Amazentis Pomegranates, muscle mass and healthy aging https://youtu.be/8tqFh9ol84E ▸ Dr. Navindra Seeram: The rejuvenating power of plants https://youtu.be/4Lkt_oss-s8 ▸ Prof. Johan Auwerz: The exciting potential of human longevity: https://youtu.be/yND-L5fCcNA ▸ Stephanie Blum: Marketing the science of wellbeing https://youtu.be/vxTlZ4g3To0