Another reason for memory impairment is named. This, according to scientists, leads to the intake of antibiotics that affect the microflora of the digestive system.
New findings from biologists representing the Center for Molecular Medicine can be found in Cell Reports. Researchers were able to identify a clear relationship between the microflora of the digestive system and intellectual performance. We are talking about special antibiotics that destroy intestinal bacteria.
An experiment was conducted with the participation of mice. First, the rodents were given ordinary water for seven days, and then antibiotics, which affect the intestinal microflora, were added to it. After that, the animals showed a decrease in the number of nerve cells in the hippocampus. This part of the brain is responsible for the mechanisms of emotion formation, as well as for the transition of short-term memory to long-term memory.
As a result of tests, it turned out that the mice after taking antibiotics worsened their memory indicators. According to the researchers themselves, the reason for this must be sought precisely in the intestinal bacteria, which affect the central nervous system. This influence is mediated through the cells of the immune system. The injection of immune cells called Ly6Chi monocytes returns neurogenesis to its previous level.
The negative effects of antibiotics on memory can be reduced in other ways. One of them, according to scientists, is exercise, and in addition, taking probiotics can be a way out.
Probiotics are a class of microorganisms and substances of microbial and other origin. They are most often used to improve the functioning of the digestive system. Most probiotic bacteria belong to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Scientists have yet to answer many questions related to antibiotic courses and their effect on memory. However, in their opinion, we can already say that a number of probiotics are able to compensate for the negative effects of antibacterial drugs on the body. If you correctly influence the microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract, then it is quite possible to improve intellectual performance.
Earlier, we recall, another group of scientists associated poor memory with the fungus Candida albicans. The experiment, in particular, showed that mentally ill women with increased production of antibodies to Candida albicans experienced significant memory impairment. In addition, an increased production of antibodies to Candida albican was noted in a significant number of men with schizophrenia.
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