The Role of Fungi in Our Bodies
Our bodies host countless species of fungi on skin, internal membranes, and in our guts.
Scientists are exploring how these fungal inhabitants may influence our brains and behavior.
Research indicates that some fungi could play a role in neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Fungal Infections and Health Risks
While many fungi are beneficial, others can cause harmful infections, such as athlete's foot and thrush, according to Rebecca Drummond.
Fungal infections of the brain can occur, originating from the lungs, and have increased due to a rise in people with weakened immune systems.
Antifungal medications are limited, and some fungi have developed resistance, complicating treatment.
Fungi's Potential Link to Alzheimer's Disease
Richard Lathe suggests that fungal infections may contribute to nerve cell loss in Alzheimer's patients.
Cases where patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's showed improvement after treating infections hint at a connection.
Research indicates that microbes, including fungi, may frequently cross the blood-brain barrier as our immune system weakens with age.
Fungi and Behavior
Emerging studies reveal that gut fungi may impact behavior, making mice more sociable, as observed by Iliyan Iliev.
Evidence suggests that the interaction between gut fungi and the brain could influence mental health and behavior.
Investigation into the role of fungi in mental disorders like schizophrenia is ongoing, showing potential associations with probiotics.
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