The gut-brain connection in PTSD: a tiny team at work. Research has established that the gut microbiome – the trillions of good bacteria living in your gut – are essential for overall wellbeing and brain function. Changes in the gut microbiome related to trauma and ageing can make us vulnerable to negative changes to how our bodies respond to stress later in life. 

Gut Microbiome during PTSD in older adults - the GUMP study

Why this study matters:

This study will explore the gut-brain connection in older adults (50+) both with and without PTSD, with a focus on cognition and diet. Your participation will allow us to better understand the relationships between trauma, ageing, and brain health. This study aims to provide a first step towards new PTSD management strategies. 

What’s involved?

• Part 1: complete an online survey at home (approximately 20 minutes). 
• Part 2: if selected: bring a completed at-home faecal sampling kit (provided) to a study visit, which will include providing a finger-prick blood sample and completing a set of cognitive games on an iPad.

Participants who complete Part 2 will receive a personalised profile of their gut microbiome as a thank you for participating.

We are seeking volunteers who:

• Are aged 50 years and older (both with and without PTSD).
• Have a standard omnivorous diet (meaning that you do not follow a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free (celiac), or other specialised diet).
• Are not currently taking antibiotics and have not taken antibiotics in the last month.
• Would be willing to provide a faecal sample using an at-home faecal collection kit (provided to you).
• Can see numbers and shapes on a standard sized iPad screen (can be wearing glasses).
• Would be willing to attend the Thompson Institute (12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya) for approximately one hour to complete a set of memory and reaction tests (four computer game-like quizzes) and have a blood sample collected from you (by finger prick mini-collection).