Effect of probiotics on Alzheimer’s disease: a system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

LÜ Meng-ze , WANG Ru-yu 1, 2, 3, 4, ZHOU Zi-jing HAO Zong-yun CHEN Si-qi LIN Hong-ji GUO Yang-yang ZHAO Zi-hao BA Ya-nan YANG Yi-meng YANG Heng-yao MA Jun

Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (4) : 410-417.

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (4) : 410-417. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.003

Effect of probiotics on Alzheimer’s disease: a system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • LÜ Meng-ze1,2,3,4, WANG Ru-yu1,2,3,4, ZHOU Zi-jing1,2,3,4, HAO Zong-yun1,2,3,4, CHEN Si-qi1,2,3,4, LIN Hong-ji1,2,3,4, GUO Yang-yang1,2,3,4, ZHAO Zi-hao1,2,3,4, BA Ya-nan1,2,3,4, YANG Yi-meng1,2,3,4, YANG Heng-yao1,2,3,4, MA Jun1,2,3,4,5 *
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Abstract

Objective To explore possible healing advantages of probiotics in controlling Alzheimer’s diseese(AD). Methods Conducting an extensive evaluation of probiotics’ healing effects, encompassing various facets and perspectives. We conducted an extensive search across 9 databases with no language restrictions, spanning from the inception of research to March 7, 2025, to identify randomized controlled studies examining the impact of probiotic therapy on. A meta-analysis was then performed using random-effects models to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD), I2 statistic, and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The study eventually incorporated eight randomized controlled trials (RCT), with 261 individuals in probiotic cohort and 256 in the placebo group. Probiotics significantly improved cognitive function, promoted total anti-oxidant capacity and mitigated the pro-oxidant process and inflammation. Conclusion The significance of probiotic supplements lies in their ability to enhance cognitive abilities in individuals with cognitive deficits, offering both theoretical underpinnings and actionable advice for using probiotics clinically in AD treatment.

Key words

Alzheimer’s disease / Cognition;Meta-analysis;Oxidative stress;Probiotic

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LÜ Meng-ze , WANG Ru-yu 1, 2, 3, 4, ZHOU Zi-jing HAO Zong-yun CHEN Si-qi LIN Hong-ji GUO Yang-yang ZHAO Zi-hao BA Ya-nan YANG Yi-meng YANG Heng-yao MA Jun. Effect of probiotics on Alzheimer’s disease: a system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2026, 57(4): 410-417 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.003

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