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Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with changes in the (gut) microbiome., Objective: Based on studies in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), an overview of the current evidence of microbial changes and their possible role in the development of these diseases is given., Methods: Analysis, summary, and evaluation of the current literature on (gut) microbiome and neurodegeneration., Results: Numerous studies have shown dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiome of PD and AD patients compared to healthy individuals, some of which might occur even in the prodromal phase. Specifically, these patients show a reduction in bacteria involved in the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. These microbial alterations have been associated with systemic inflammation and a compromised integrity of the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier. Bacterial molecules such as lipopolysaccharides may play an important role in these changes. Additionally, the bacterial protein curli, found on the surface of e.g., Escherichia coli, has been shown in vitro and in animal models to promote the misfolding of α-synuclein, thus suggesting a crucial pathomechanism. Moreover, certain oral bacteria appear to be more prevalent in AD patients and may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD., Conclusion: Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with dysbiosis of the (gut) microbiome, which can have diverse systemic effects; however, it remains unclear whether this dysbiosis is a cause or a consequence of the diseases. Further investigation of this (prodromal) microbial imbalance could reveal new approaches for targeted therapeutic manipulation of the microbiome to modify and prevent these diseases., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

There are increasingly comprehensive data on recognition of the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic on global populations. In most regions of the world, the economic and psychological burden on the general population and persons with mental disorders has risen sharply over the course of the pandemic. Beyond anxieties regarding severe acute respiratory syndromes due to coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, in many countries the measures for containing the pandemic also led to psychological burdens. It was shown that social distancing and contact restrictions were risk factors for the development or deterioration of mental health problems on a global scale. Simultaneously, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or reduced mental health services in many countries. Thus, there is a substantial need for low threshold offers of assistance and for coping strategies. Current studies could show that certain coping strategies, such as virtual social contacts and physical activity, appear to be useful in counteracting the negative psychological sequelae of the pandemic; however, in order to improve care provision for people with psychological burden and mental illness in the medium term, it is necessary to offer targeted treatment, such as online psychotherapy in particular. Collaborative research tackles poverty, social isolation and loneliness.