Antibiotics Killing Gut Bacteria Can Kill Your Memory Too!

Antibiotics that can rid of gut bacteria can be so strong that the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus will be inhibited as well. Hippocampus is the area of the brain associated with memory. 

A new study reveals that taking antibiotics to kill gut bacteria can affect brain function because of a certain blood cell that acts as a communication between the brain, the immune system, and the gut, as reported by Science Daily. 

Data from mice showed that those who were given antibiotics also have a lower level of white blood cells marked with Ly6Chi. This can be observed in the mice's brain, blood, and even bone barrow.

The senior researcher however, is optimistic that the effects can be reversed. Among the mice they used for the experiment, replacing the Ly6Chi levels proved their memory and neurogenesis. 

The researchers are confident that the same findings can be applied to humans. "We found prolonged antibiotic treatment might impact brain function," shared Susanne Asu Wolf of the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany. "But probiotics and exercise can balance brain plasticity and should be considered as a real treatment option."

The new findings add to a growing list of information highlighting the side effects of antibiotics, when used for a prolonged period of time. 

The Food and Drug Administration, the agency accountable for preventing harmful drugs from entering to the market, recently admitted that some popular antibiotics have significant side effects that outweigh the benefits of the drugs.

In particular, they claimed that fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs are bound to affect the "tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and the central nervous system." Confusion and hallucinations are also part of the scary side effects.

Patients "with acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options" are said to be the ones most at-risk.