alt Hacker News> 1. I stopped drinking heavily and using other drugs, i.e. marijuana
Heavy alcohol use and marijuana are both known to impact memory and recall directly.
Discontinuing both of those explains changes in memory. Attributing this to microbiome changes does not follow.
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Anecdotal. I have never drank much alcohol, but an evening Trappist helped me turn off after a day's work.
Since I stopped that habit, I do notice memory getting worse. Not saying it is THE EXPLANATION, but it is an observation non the less.
>Heavy alcohol use and marijuana are both known to impact memory and recall directly.
And who said they don't do this (long term) exactly through their affecting the gut microbiome?
It has been well recognized that alcohol significantly disrupts the bacteria in your gut.
It could easily be both.
Also, getting better sleep (by fixing heartburn and meals) will mean you're more rested, and improve functioning during the day.
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This paper actually surveys research on humans and not mice.
The association between gut microbiota and cognitive decline: A systematic review of the literature
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027153172...
It shows ”Gut microbiota modulation improves cognition in adults with early impairment. Diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation share mechanistic pathways and that evidence clarifies how microbiota-targeted strategies support cognitive health.”
The action could be explained due to an anti inflammatory action by the gut biome.