A future perspective on neurodegenerative diseases: Nasopharyngeal and gut microbiota

Neurodegenerative diseases are considered a serious life-threatening issue regardless of age. Resulting nerve damage progressively affects important activities, such as, movement, coordination, balance, breathing, speech, and the functioning of vital organs. Reports on the subject have concluded that neurodegenerative disease can be caused by mutations of susceptible genes, alcohol consumption, toxins, chemicals, and other unknown environmental factors. Although several diagnostic techniques can be used to determine etiologies, the process is difficult and often fails. Research shows that nasopharyngeal and gut microbiota play important roles in brain to spinal cord coordination. However, no conclusive epidemiologic evidence is available on the roles played by respiratory and gut microbiota in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, understanding the connection between respiratory and gut microbiota and the nervous system could provide information on causal links. The present review describes future perspective on the role played by nasopharyngeal and gut microbiota in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.