A remedy for dementia

Fecal transplantation helped with brain disorders

Natalia Pelezneva, Naked Science

American researchers have effectively used the technique of fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of patients with hepatic encephalopathy, one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis. The symptoms of this condition are lethargy, decreased cognitive skills, speech disorders, disorientation. The researchers presented the results at the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in Paris. This is told by the portal ScienceAlert.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (TFM) is a procedure in which intestinal bacteria and bacteriophages contained in the excrement of one or more healthy donors are injected into the patient's body. The method is used to restore the normal balance of intestinal microflora. Earlier studies have shown that TFM is effective in diseases caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria, for example, pseudomembranous colitis.

The participants of the new study were 20 men with hepatic encephalopathy caused by cirrhosis of the liver. 10 people underwent the TFM procedure, the rest became a control group. It is known that the number of anaerobic bacteria Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae decreases in the body of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. The former reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, the latter protect the body from certain pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, the number of potentially dangerous enterobacteria is growing. The fecal donor was found through a specialized bank: the most suitable ratio of these types of microorganisms was found in his samples.

The patients' condition was monitored for five months. During this time, the number of episodes of encephalopathy – cases of inhibition, forgetfulness and disorientation - decreased in men who underwent the TFM procedure. Also, these patients were less often hospitalized. A year later, their cognitive functions were better than those of people from the control group.

Scientists plan to conduct several more studies of the method with a large number of patients. According to experts, the transplantation of properly selected material is safe and allows you to stop the growth of bacteria that can worsen the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.

In 2015, the OpenBiome Medical Foundation began searching for donors for a bank of fecal transplants. Up to $40 was offered for one sample.

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