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Open Access 20-04-2024 | Geriatrics and Gerontology

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease in the Elderly

Authors: Lea Ann Chen, Kaitlyn Boyle

Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Growing evidence supports the contribution of age in the composition and function of the gut microbiome, with specific findings associated with health in old age and longevity.

Recent Findings

Current studies have associated certain microbiota, such as Butyricimonas, Akkermansia, and Odoribacter, with healthy aging and the ability to survive into extreme old age. Furthermore, emerging clinical and pre-clinical research have shown promising mechanisms for restoring a healthy microbiome in elderly populations through various interventions such as fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), dietary interventions, and exercise programs.

Summary

Despite several conceptually exciting interventional studies, the field of microbiome research in the elderly remains limited. Specifically, large longitudinal studies are needed to better understand causative relationships between the microbiome and healthy aging. Additionally, individualized approaches to microbiome interventions based on patients’ co-morbidities and the underlying functional capacity of their microbiomes are needed to achieve optimal results.

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Title: The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease in the Elderly
Authors: Lea Ann Chen
Kaitlyn Boyle
Publication date: 20-04-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Gastrointestinal Microbiota
Frailty in Geriatric Patients
Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports
Print ISSN: 1522-8037
Electronic ISSN: 1534-312X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-024-00932-w

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Gut microbiome 3D concept image/© Anatomy Insider / Stock.adobe.com, Illustration of figure on mountain summit/© Orapun / Stock.adobe.com, STEP AAG HeroTeaserCollection image/© Tarek / Generated with AI / Stock.adobe.com, ACC 2024 Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, ACC 2024 Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, ACC 2024 Valvular Heart Disease: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, ACC 2024 HF and Cardiomyopathies: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, Woman out walking/© Seventyfour / stock.adobe.com (symbolic image with model), Woman checking smartwatch /© saltdium / stock.adobe.com (symbolic image with model), Cardiac catheterization/© Damian / stock.adobe.com