Efeito dos probióticos na saúde mental durante o processo de envelhecimento

Abstract

Aging is a set of changes that occur over time and is related to the emergence of cognitive dysfunctions when one reaches old age. In addition, cognitive dysfunction in the elderly is often associated with chronic inflammatory processes and intestinal dysbiosis, which can affect the gut-brain axis, affecting the health and quality of life of the elderly population. Given the above, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of probiotics on the cognitive function of the elderly, through an integrative review of the literature. Thus, databases carried out bibliographic searches over the last 10 years. The results suggest that probiotic supplementation can promote benefits in cognitive function, mainly through the reduction of inflammatory markers, such as TNF- α and IL-6, and by improving the balance of the intestinal microbiota, which directly impacts the gut-brain axis. Studies have observed improvements in memory, attention, and mental processing in the elderly, especially those with mild cognitive impairment. Thus, probiotics have potential as a complementary intervention for cognitive health in the elderly, however, more robust evidence, especially regarding standardization of dosage and administration time, is needed for definitive clinical recommendations.