The Brain Foundation has allocated 1 million euros to Professor Iris Sommer of the UMCG. She will investigate how the intestines can be used in the fight against brain disorders.
In the study, the intestines of people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are manipulated naturally. The aim is to reduce symptoms related to the disease, to positively influence the course of the disease and to improve mental health. If the research is successful, almost half a million Dutch people with a brain disorder will immediately benefit from this.
“Gut health affects brain function strongly and in many different ways,” says psychiatry professor Iris Sommer. “With this research we want to look at how we can optimize the individual gut flora in people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We then look at what effect this has on the functioning and well-being of these people. With these results we can ensure that their quality of life improves.
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