Food Insecurity Modifies the Association Between the Gut Microbiome and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Adults

Area of Science:

• Gut microbiome research
• Cognitive health
• Nutritional science

Background:

• Gut microbiome composition is linked to cognitive function.
• The interaction between food insecurity and the gut microbiome in relation to cognitive impairment risk is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate food insecurity as an effect modifier in the association between the gut microbiome and risk of cognitive impairment (RCI).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Microbiome Study (n=360).
• Assessment of RCI using the mini-cog memory test.
• Evaluation of food insecurity via survey questions.
• Microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing.
• Machine learning algorithms identified microbial cliques and their association with RCI, stratified by food insecurity.

Main Results:

• Food insecurity showed a weak association with RCI.
• Gut microbiome alpha diversity was inversely associated with RCI in both food-secure and food-insecure groups.
• Specific microbial cliques demonstrated modified associations with RCI based on food insecurity status, with different cliques showing stronger links in either the food-insecure or food-secure groups.

Conclusions:

• Food insecurity may modify the gut microbiome's association with the risk of cognitive impairment.
• Environmental and lifestyle factors, including diet and gut health, are potential targets for RCI prevention strategies.