Neuroprotective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Background The efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a therapeutic in Alzheimer's disease was evaluated in the 5XFAD mouse model. Method We treated sixteen, 36‐week‐old 5XFAD transgenic mice with fecal slurry from healthy, wild‐type donors of similar age (n = 8; Old Tg‐FO) or from younger (8‐10‐week old) healthy, wild‐type donors (n = 8; Old Tg‐FY) for seven days. Mice were incubated for 21 days and were then subjected to cognitive tests to examine the effects of FMT on memory. Mice were sacrificed and brain tissue was examined for amyloid plaque load. Result Improved spatial and recognition memory in Old Tg‐FY and enhanced recognition memory in Old Tg‐FO mice were observed when compared to Old Tg‐Control mice treated with saline. Importantly, there were significant decreases in cortical Ab loading following seven days of FMT in all treated mice. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the capability FMT in improving cognition and reducing amyloid pathology in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s.