Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Exploring the effects of faecal microbiota transplantation on cognitive function: A review of clinical trials
Sara Alaeddin1, Anushka Chatterjee1, Tara L Roberts1,2
1School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW, 2751, Australia.
Abstract:
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a widely used microbiota-modulation technique to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI). Rodent studies and clinical trials on probiotic interventions indicate that alterations in microbiota composition may impact cognitive function. To explore whether FMT influences cognitive function in humans, we conducted a systematic search and narrative synthesis and identified 14 studies examining its effects on cognition. A variety of cohort studies, single-arm trials, case reports and randomised, placebo-controlled trials have been conducted on different neurological patient cohorts, including those with Hepatic Encephalopathy, Parkinson's Disease, dementia, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. FMT has been shown to have a significant impact on cognitive function in these populations, accompanied by alterations in microbial composition and blood markers. Interestingly, success was influenced by the route of FMT administration, indicating greater efficacy of rectal cf. oral administration on microbiome composition and cognitive improvements. However, no clinical trials have yet examined the effects of FMT on cognitively healthy individuals. FMT appears to have potential as a therapeutic strategy for cognitive impairment, though further research with larger sample sizes is needed to explore its effects in both impaired and cognitively healthy populations.
Insights
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) may improve cognitive function in neurological conditions. Rectal administration shows greater efficacy than oral, but research in healthy individuals is lacking.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a key therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections.
- Emerging evidence suggests a gut-brain axis, where microbiota alterations may influence cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the impact of FMT on human cognitive function.
- To explore FMT's effects across various neurological conditions and identify factors influencing its efficacy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search and narrative synthesis of 14 studies were performed.
- Included studies encompassed cohort studies, single-arm trials, case reports, and randomized controlled trials.
- Studies investigated FMT in patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy, Parkinson's Disease, dementia, and Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Main Results:
- FMT demonstrated a significant impact on cognitive function in neurological patient cohorts.
- Cognitive improvements were associated with changes in microbial composition and blood markers.
- Rectal FMT administration appeared more effective than oral administration for cognitive enhancement and microbiome modulation.
Conclusions:
- FMT shows therapeutic potential for cognitive impairment in specific patient populations.
- Route of administration is a critical factor influencing FMT efficacy.
- Further research, including studies on cognitively healthy individuals and larger trials, is warranted.
