Taking laxatives can help with memory and attention span problems

Key Points:

• A new study by researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford found that prucalopride, a laxative used for constipation, may improve cognitive issues such as memory, attention, and planning in people with a history of depression.
• Prucalopride activates the 5HT4 serotonin receptor in both the gut and brain, which is involved in gut motility as well as learning, memory, mood, and anxiety regulation.
• In a trial with 50 participants aged 18 to 40, those who took prucalopride showed better and faster performance on various cognitive tests compared to a placebo group.
• The findings suggest that 5HT4 receptor agonists could address persistent cognitive impairments in depression, offering a potential new avenue for treatment development.
• This research builds on previous studies indicating that 5HT4 receptor agonists may reduce depression risk and highlights the broader gut-brain connection's impact on mental health and cognitive function.