Can prebiotics assist in the Management of Cognition and Weight Gain in Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is among the top half of the 25 leading causes of disabilities worldwide with a 10 –20 year decrease in life expectancy. Ineffective pharmacotherapy in the management of cognitive deficits and weight gain are known to be significant contributors; therefore interventions that may mitigate one, or both, of these parameters would be highly beneficial. Manipulation of the gut micr obiome using dietary supplements such as prebiotics may be one such intervention. Preclinical studies have shown that a 2-4 week dietary supplementation with a prebiotic has beneficial effects on learning and memory, and prevents pro-inflammatory signals that are detrimental to cognitive processes.
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research