The effects of the interplay between vitamins, antibiotics, and gut microbiota on the pathogenesis and progression of dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

BackgroundGiven that there is already evidence of a neural network that connects the brain and gut and that the gut microbiota actively modulates gut health, it is crucial to know which foods, supplements, and medications to use or avoid when treating any disease that causes dementia or cognitive impairment. Previous research has examined the relationships between vitamins, antibiotics, and gut microbiota and the correlations between these factors and dementia. The question arises of how these three factors interact together and if evidence suggests one element is more important than the others in the pathogenesis and development of dementia.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) standards were followed when conducting this review. The papers' publication dates varied from (2012−2022). Cochrane/EMBASE, PEDro, and PubMed/Medline databases were searched. The precise terms “gut microbiota,” vitamins,” antibiotics,” and “dementia” were included in the search method, along with the conjunctions “OR” and “AND.”ResultsGut dysbiosis has a significant impact on cognition, brain function, and the development and progression of dementia. The two most popular probiotics used in studies linked to cognition benefits were Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Numerous scales were used to evaluate cognition, but the mini‐mental state examination was the most popular, and the most prevalent impairment was Alzheimer's disease. The supplements with the most significant impact on gut microbiota were vitamin B‐12 and folic acid.ConclusionThis systematic review concluded that vitamins, gut microbiota and antibiotics have a close association with the development of dementia. More research is required to establish causality and elucidate the underlying mechanisms because there is still little evidence connecting the interactions of vitamins, medications, and microbiota with dementia. The complexity of interactions between genetics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities, as well as the heterogeneity of dementia, may make it more challenging to interpret the findings.