| Objectives: Probiotic supplementation has been linked to changes in cognitive function via the gutbrain axis (GBA). However, the current literature lacks a comprehensive review regarding this matter
in the elderly population.
Method: Electronic databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and
Google Scholar were comprehensively searched for identifying studies that assessed the effects of
probiotics on the cognitive function of the elderly published until July 2020. Articles were critically
reviewed and if met the inclusion criteria, entered the study
Results: Among a total of 1374 studies, 10 were eligible for meta-analysis. No significant alteration
was found in the cognition of the elderly (SMD=-0.04; 95% CI [- 1.07,0.98]; P=0.93). There was a nonsignificant increase in the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (SMD = 0.58; 95% CI [-1.40,2.56];
P=0.56) and a nonsignificant reduction in malondialdehyde levels (SMD=-0.44; 95% CI [-1.07,0.19];
P=0.17). Levels of total antioxidant capacity (SMD = 39.93; 95% CI [2.92,76.95]; P=0.03) and total
glutathione (SMD = 61.51; 95% CI [12.39,110.62]; P=0.01) significantly increased. A significant reduction was also noted in total cholesterol levels (SMD=-4.23; 95% CI [-8.32, −0.14]; P=0.04).
Conclusion: Our study did not support the hypothesis of the positive effect of probiotics on cognitive
function in the elderly population; which might be due to the heterogeneity across the studies. |