Brain related disorders are among the most challenging health issues of our time. The development of effective therapeutic and preventive strategies for these disorders relies on a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causative mechanisms. And, until recently, these mechanisms have remained somewhat elusive.


The newly discovered pivotal role of the intestinal microbiome in brain health, functionality, and resistance to disease is revolutionizing neuroscience. The Microbiome and the Brain, through the contributions of some of the most forward thinking researchers and clinicians in the field, comprehensively reveals the leading edge of our understanding of the fundamental role of gut microbes and their metabolites in a wide array of seemingly diverse brain issues including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, multiple sclerosis, and mood disorders. In addition, mechanisms defining these relationships are explored along with a presentation of the state-of-the-art as it relates to interpretation of relevant laboratory assessments. Finally, novel therapeutic opportunities, derived from this exciting science are presented.


Readers will learn:



* The highly validated relationship between alterations of gut microbes and their metabolites, and risk for Alzheimer’s disease.




* The important link between autism and intestinal dysbiosis.




* Appropriate interpretation of available laboratory assessments of the intestinal microbiome.




* The potential role of fecal microbial transplant in neurological diseases.




* The influence of diet and other lifestyle choices on the microbiome as it relates to brain health and functionality.

Chapter 1. Assessing the Microbiome–Current and Future Technologies and Applications. Thomas Gurry, Shrish Budree, Alim Ladha, Bharat Ramakrishna and Zain Kassam.

Chapter 2. The Microbiome—Role in Personalized Medicine. Jeffrey Bland.

Chapter 3. Immune Response to Microbial Toxins in Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Aristo Vojdani and Elroy Vojdani.

Chapter 4. The Microbiome–Its Role in Neuroinflammation. Maria R. Fiorentino and Alessio Fasano.

Chapter 5. Nutrition and the Microbiome–Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kirsten Berding and Sharon Donovan.

Chapter 6. Alzheimer's Disease, the Microbiome, and 21st Century Medicine. Dale Bredesen.

Chapter 7. Microbial Involvement in Alzheimer's Disease. Can (Martin) Zhang.

Chapter 8. The Role of the Microbiome in Mood. Kirsten Tillisch and Arpana Gupta.

Chapter 9. The Microbiome in Multiple Sclerosis. Helen Tremlett and Emmanuelle Waubant.
Chapter 10. Bacteriophage Involvement in Neurodegenerative Diseases. George Tetz and Victor Tetz.

Chapter 11. The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Neurological Diseases. Thomas Borody and John Bienenstock.

Chapter 12. Lifestyle Influences on the Microbiome. Leo Galland.

Index.