REVIEW article
Front. Microbiomes
Sec. Nutrition, Metabolism and the Microbiome
This article is part of the Research TopicThe Interaction Between Food Ingredients and Gut Microbiome on Health and DiseaseView all 36 articles
Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis: Dietary Influences on Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis
Provisionally accepted
Samira R. Mansour1,2,3*
Menna A, Khalaf4
Mostafa A. Moustafa5Mardies A. Moustafa6
AbdelRaouf A, Moustafa4- 1Suez Canal University Faculty of Science, Ismailia, Egypt
- 2Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- 3Suez Canal University Faculty of Dentistry, Ismailia, Egypt
- 4Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- 5Neurosurgey, October 6 University Faculty of Medicine, 6th of October City, Egypt
- 6Faculty of Dentistry, Sinai University, Kantra, Kantra, Egypt
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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most diagnosed neurodegenerative disorders worldwide and presents a significant challenge for both affected individuals and their caregivers. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and dysfunctional tau protein in the brain along with the final development of dementia. Recently, in addition to the strongly developing ischemic etiology of AD, it is suggested that the gut and oral microbiota may also participate in the development of this disease. This involvement may stem from an unbalanced diet and the consumption of foods containing harmful chemical additives. An unhealthy diet can compromise the integrity of the gut barrier, facilitating the translocation of bacterial pathogens and leading to a pro-inflammatory T cell response mediated by innate immune cells. This inflammatory response can disrupt systemic homeostasis and may contribute to neuro-inflammation. The brain and gut interact through a complex network known as the 'gut–brain–microbiota axis,' and emerging studies suggest that the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, these inflammatory mediators and microbial metabolites can reach the brain via the gut-brain axis, potentially exacerbating neurodegenerative processes. Preclinical and limited clinical evidence indicates that low-fiber diets are associated with alterations in intestinal microbiota composition, which may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to explore the potential connections between AD and the gut microbiome, emphasizing the significance of dietary factors in shaping these relationships. A comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the human microbiome and the brain, particularly in the context of diet and its ingredients, may enhance our understanding of AD etiology and inform the development of preventative strategies, through dietary modifications or therapeutic interventions. This area of research holds promise for identifying novel approaches to prevent or slow the progression of AD.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid plaques, dietary factors, Dysbiosis, Gut barrier integrity, gut microbiome, gut-brain axis, immune response
Received: 02 Jun 2025; Accepted: 16 Jan 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Mansour, Khalaf, Moustafa, Moustafa and Moustafa. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Samira R. Mansour
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