Gut Bacteria Could Be a Hidden Trigger For Neurodegenerative Diseases

A mouse study links the gut microbiome to ALS and frontotemporal dementia, especially in people with C9ORF72 variants.

Researchers found some gut bacteria can make inflammatory glycogen that triggers immune activity and brain damage in mice.

This glycogen was more common in stool samples from many ALS patients.

Blocking glycogen breakdown with alpha-amylase reduced inflammation and extended mouse lifespan, but did not restore motor function.

The work suggests a possible treatment target outside the brain for some genetically at-risk patients.