ABSTRACT
Human clinical trials have shown that the consumption of probiotic products can affect certain regions of the brain and control the processing of emotions. The role of probiotics on the brains through the gut-brain axis has been the subject of novel studies; however, little is known about how these beneficial microorganisms can act against neurogenerative pathologies such as Parkinson and Alzheimer´s diseases. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by persistent tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity and instability in posture. At the cellular level, the pathogenic process involves high levels of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Many studies showed that dietary factors, including B-group vitamins, may be involved in the etiology of PD. It has been shown that patients with PD present folate deficiencies with increases in homocysteinemia. This chapter will discuss the potential use of lactic acid bacteria in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Immune- and microbiota-modulation and B-group vitamin production are some of the mechanisms by which lactic acid bacteria could exert beneficial effects against neurological pathologies.
