Understanding the impact of age-related changes in the gut microbiome on chronic diseases and the prospect of elderly-specific dietary interventions

Abstract

Ageing is associated with characteristic changes including a gradual decline of physiological functions, inflamm-aging, sarcopenia, and the associated onset of multiple diseases. Another factor potentially contributing to enhanced susceptibility to multiple diseases is aging-associated alteration in the gut microbiome. These alterations include a loss of commensals and gain of disease-associated pathobionts, and are accelerated by lifestyle factors like medication, reduced mobility and restricted diet. Several studies suggest that supplementation or modification of the habitual diet may help to address age-related frailty and comorbidities, aided by microbiota modulation. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent investigations of microbiota alterations during aging and age-related diseases and the possibilities for altering the microbiome as a therapeutic approach.