The MicroCOGNI study solves whether gut microbiota determines cognitive function in humans via influencing ß-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. Animal studies have shown that variation in gut microbiota affects cognitive function, and plays a role in the accumulation of ß-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain at early age. These protein accumulations are hallmarks of the most common dementia type and present decades before visible cognitive deficits. However, the evidence is limited mainly to animal studies, while the available human data is based on small studies on demented elderly individuals. We have designed the MicroCOGNI study to show, for the first time, that these links exist in a large population-based human cohort. This study may change the understanding on the determinants of cognitive function, and have wide implications for medical science. Thereby, the MicroCOGNI offers novel routes for prevention of cognitive decline and cognitive health promotion.

2022

2026