Are You Flushing Away Early Alzheimer’s Clues?

It's not glamorous. But it's real.

You might not think much about your digestion unless something goes wrong. But what comes out of your body could be one of the earliest clues to what's going on in your brain.

That's not just a clever headline. It's the gut–brain connection in action.

Long before memory loss becomes noticeable, subtle changes often begin in the gut microbiome, where bacteria and other microbes reside. This is beneficial because these microorganisms aid in digestion, help fight off illnesses, and support brain health.

Researchers have found that people with early signs of Alzheimer's in their blood or brain scans often have a different mix of gut bacteria than people who don't show those early signs, even if their memory still seems fine.

So yes, what's happening in your gut might be whispering about your future. The question is whether you're listening.

Your microbiome remembers more than you think

Your gut environment changes over time: year to year and day to day. It responds to the choices you make and the stress you carry. Diets low in fiber and high in processed foods can starve beneficial bacteria, while chronic stress, poor sleep, and the use of antibiotics can disrupt your system's balance. That's when your gut might send the wrong signals to your brain. 

Inflammation can rise, the brain's protective barrier can weaken, and over time, this can contribute to the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer's. Researchers are still uncovering how these patterns unfold, but one thing is clear: the gut is more than a digestive center. It is an early warning system that reacts quickly to what you feed it, both physically and emotionally.

Science is connecting the dots

A 2024 review highlighted in CNN reported that blood markers, such as p-tau 217, may appear ten to fifteen years before any noticeable memory problems. P-tau 217 is a type of protein that builds up in the brain when cells start to break down. High levels of this protein are one of the earliest biological signs of Alzheimer's, long before memory loss becomes noticeable.

At the same time, scientists studying the gut are finding similar early warning signs. In one study, individuals who exhibited early changes on brain scans associated with Alzheimer's disease also had lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria. Many of these missing strains were known for producing butyrate, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and protect brain cells from oxidative stress. These changes in the gut may begin quietly, but they can have lasting effects on brain function over time.

What Your Bathroom Habits Might Be Telling You About Your Brain

When it comes to early Alzheimer's clues, what you flush can offer valuable insight. Most people don't think twice about their bowel movements unless something is noticeably wrong. However, subtle changes in frequency, consistency, or odor may reflect underlying shifts in the gut microbiome, long before cognitive symptoms ever appear.

In functional medicine and microbiome research, specific patterns are worth paying attention to. For example, consistently loose or unusually foul-smelling stools may indicate an overgrowth of inflammatory bacteria. On the other hand, low hydration, slow gut motility, or a lack of microbial diversity can cause constipation. Staying well-hydrated supports smoother digestion, helps regulate bowel movements, and provides your gut microbes with the fluid environment they need to function correctly.

What's also flushed away are necessary microbial signals. Researchers now study metabolites in stool samples to assess how the gut is functioning and whether it is supporting or harming brain health. Stool testing can reveal imbalances that may go unnoticed in bloodwork or imaging. A lack of specific bacteria, elevated inflammatory markers, or poor digestion of fats and fiber can all indicate gut patterns associated with cognitive risk.

The takeaway is simple but often overlooked: your bathroom habits can offer early, physical clues that your gut is under stress. Paying closer attention to those clues without embarrassment or avoidance can lead to early interventions that protect not just your digestion, but also your long-term brain function. It's not about sounding an alarm. It's about hearing the alert.

See what you're missing, literally 

A Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis (FBCA) can reveal crucial information about gut and brain health. Microbial diversity, inflammation markers, mineral insufficiencies... If you pay attention to what your blood and digestion are telling you, you might catch early warning signs that traditional blood tests miss and before they ever affect your brain. 

You're not stuck, and you're not alone. We can start sorting this out together, from wherever you are. It's all virtual, so you don't have to travel or wait. The moment you BELIEVE, things can change; they often do. Take that first step today.

You can keep the conversation going with BELIEVE@drsusanmonias.com.