Brain plasticity could be improved by manipulating the gut microbiome

Manipulating the gut microbiome could become a powerful tool for preserving brain health and resilience as people age, according to research led by Professor Paola Tognini, a neuroscientist at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.

The study found that introducing a younger microbiome restored the brain's neuroplasticity – something that naturally declines with age and is essential for learning, memory and recovery following injury.

The researchers also found that more than 1,000 genes were expressed differently when the microbiome was altered, including genes involved in the production and maintenance of myelin – the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibres and enables signals to travel rapidly and efficiently through the brain. Other changes were linked to the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, suggesting the microbiome may influence multiple processes associated with brain health and healthy ageing.

The theory has so far been demonstrated only in preclinical models, and researchers say further work will be needed before the findings can be translated into human therapies or the specific microbial strains identified.

However, the findings add to growing evidence that the microbiome could become an important target for interventions designed to preserve cognitive function, improve resilience and support recovery later in life.

For the spa and longevity sector, the research reinforces the growing importance of gut health as part of healthy ageing strategies. While many longevity clinics already offer microbiome testing, personalised nutrition and probiotic interventions, future therapies could move beyond assessing the microbiome towards actively restoring a more youthful microbial profile to support brain health and cognitive longevity.