Effects of Tempeh Probiotics on Elderly With Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

IntroductionOral consumption of probiotics can alter Gut Microbiota by causing changes in the production of probiotic derivatives. Therefore, by utilizing Gut-Brain-Axis (GBA), probiotics could provide an opportunity for central nervous system (CNS) modulation, including cognitive function. Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food rich in probiotics and beneficial for cognitive function. However, the type of probiotics that play a role in cognitive improvement and the number of probiotics needed for the benefits of increasing cognitive function was unknown.MethodThis experimental study involved a total of 93 subjects, divided into 3 groups: A, B and C/control (n: 33, 32, and 28), who were provided with probiotic supplementation isolated from tempeh for 12 weeks intervention. Inclusion criteria were age > 60 years, and memory impairment with the third repetition value of Word List Memory Immediate Recall (WLMIR) < 7. Subjects with diabetes were excluded. Cognitive function examinations were carried out before and after treatment. The tempeh-derived probiotics were prepared trough several processes. Genomic isolation, detection of GABA-encoding genes, and species identification using the 16S-rRNA gene encoding were performed.ResultsThe probiotics isolate used in the intervention was identified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum. We assigned this isolate as L. fermentum A2.8. The presence of the gene encoding GABA was found on this isolate. There was an increase in the cognitive domains of memory, learning process, and verbal fluency (p < 0.05) in group A (probiotics at concentration of 108 CFU/mL). Memory function, visuospatial, and verbal fluency improved (p < 0.05) in group B (probiotics at concentration of 107 CFU/mL). Only an increase in the memory domain was observed in the control group. Improvement of the learning process occurred only in group A (p = 0.006).ConclusionAdministration of probiotics derived from L. fermentum A2.8 increased the cognitive domains of memory, language and visuospatial function. However, probiotic supplementation at a concentration of 108 CFU/mL was better in improving the learning process. This study succeeded in detecting Lactic Acid Bacterial isolates L. fermentum A2.8 that enclosed gene encoding glutamate decarboxylase (gad) which is involved in the synthesis of -aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter vital for cognitive function.

Effect of human probiotics on memory, psychological and biological measures in elderly: A study protocol of bi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (CleverAge Biota)

“…We chose an intervention using probiotics and prebiotics. A relationship between the gut microbiota and brain functions is considered in several diseases or conditions ( Marotta et al, 2019 ; Salami, 2021 ; Handajani et al, 2022 ; Klann et al, 2022 ; Mukilan, 2022 ; Xiang et al, 2022 ). If proven effective, this natural way would be an easily feasible approach to prevent or postpone more pronounced memory decline or improve mood or anxiety in the elderly.…”

“…A longer interval would prolong the duration of the study, make the trial more logistically complicated, and decrease participants’ compliance with the study. Three months of treatment was used in another related study ( Handajani et al, 2022 ). The duration of our grant support also limits us.…”

“…Probiotics may be a promising option for improving common symptoms of several brain and psychiatric diseases. While the gut microbiota has been of great interest in animal models in recent years, evidence for its effect on memory, mood, or movement in humans is still scarce, as summarized by several recent reviews ( Li et al, 2021 ; Salami, 2021 ; Klann et al, 2022 ; Mukilan, 2022 ; Xiang et al, 2022 ) or described in original papers ( Marotta et al, 2019 ; Handajani et al, 2022 ). A probiotic supplement is responsible for memory retrieval in the case of memory impairment.…”

“…Some studies have focused on the effects of either gut microbiota or probiotic bacteria on the brain’s cognitive function in health and disease status ( Salami, 2021 ). Indeed, the administration of tempeh-derived probiotics increased the cognitive domains of memory, language, and visuospatial function ( Handajani et al, 2022 ). A study by Marotta et al (2019) showed an improvement in depressive mood state, anger, and fatigue and improved sleep quality in the group using probiotics, while no between-group differences were found ( Marotta et al, 2019 ).…”

Fish oil and probiotics supplementation through milk chocolate improves spatial learning and memory in male Wistar rats

“…The systematic review of 30 experimental studies investigating the effects of probiotics on different ages and cognitive statuses suggests that probiotics may enhance cognitive function in adult populations with some cognitive impairment ( 45 ). The administration of 10 8 CFU/ml of Limosilactobacillus fermentum improved the cognitive processes of learning, memory, language, and visuospatial function in people older than 60 with mild cognitive impairment ( 46 ).…”