Fascinating New Product
July 30, 2026
I posted this on my blog as well. For that reason, there is no paywall today.
Happy Friday!
The quote of the day comes from Linda. My hand tremor is really active today. Linda stated, “You do not need to use your electric toothbrush since your hand is trembling so much.”
Today’s topic is about a fascinating new product that uses AI. Well, perhaps “fascinating” isn’t the best description. “Odd,” “unusual,” and “gross” are a few adjectives that come to my Alzheimer’s brain.
Before I tell you about the product, I need to remind you of the importance of the gut microbiome to brain health - especially, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Research indicates that the brain and the gut microbiome are connected through the gut-brain axis - an intricate network of neurons, proteins, and chemicals that relay messages between the digestive system and the brain. A study at the Queensland Brain Institute in Australia found that chronic inflammation in the brain can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s.1
The Newcastle University Institute of Ageing in Belfast, Ireland, studied the relationship between diet and Alzheimer’s. Their research suggests that high-fiber foods, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, may help reduce inflammation. 2 Certain gut bacteria convert the fiber from these foods into compounds called short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. People in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease - after brain changes have begun but before cognitive symptoms become apparent - harbor an assortment of bacteria in their intestines that differs from the gut bacteria of healthy people, according to a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
The fascinating new product is called Throne. In a nutshell, it is a small camera that fits on the side of a toilet to monitor your poop. Using Bluetooth technology, the camera connects to an app on your phone. According to Throne’s website, “Throne measures four dimensions of your wellness: gut health (stool form and frequency via the clinically established Bristol Stool Scale), hydration, urinary flow, and your bathroom habits.”
Based on my research of Throne, I believe the device can flag shifting stool behavioral and structural patterns related to Alzheimer’s patients’ gut microbiome changes, alerting caregivers to changes in a patient’s daily health without requiring manual tracking logs. The data collected by Throne can be downloaded and shared with a physician.
The cost is $399, plus $5.99 per month. There are discounts offered on their website.
This is pure speculation, but I think a device like Throne could be used as an early indicator of Alzheimer’s (before symptoms are apparent). It would likely require consistent poop monitoring. Will the day come when poop monitors are an integral part of a toilet?
I contacted Throne requesting comment. When I receive a response, I will share it with you and update this article.
What are your thoughts on Throne? Please leave a comment and let me know.
To be clear, I am not being compensated by Throne and I am not recommending the product.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Greg