1
|
Gregory S, Buller-Peralta I, Bridgeman K, Góngora VDLC, Dounavi ME, Low A, Ntailianis G, O'Brien J, Parra MA, Ritchie CW, Ritchie K, Shannon OM, Stevenson EJ, Muniz-Terrera G. The Mediterranean diet is not associated with neuroimaging or cognition in middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the PREVENT dementia programme. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16345. [PMID: 38794967 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with reduced dementia incidence in several studies. It is important to understand if diet is associated with brain health in midlife, when Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are known to begin. METHODS This study used data from the PREVENT dementia programme. Three MedDiet scores were created (the Pyramid, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener [MEDAS] and MEDAS continuous) from a self-reported food frequency questionnaire. Primary outcomes were hippocampal volume and cube-transformed white matter hyperintensity volume. Secondary outcomes included cornu ammonis 1 and subiculum hippocampal subfield volumes, cortical thickness and measures of cognition. Sex-stratified analyses were run to explore differential associations between diet and brain health by sex. An exploratory path analysis was conducted to study if any associations between diet and brain health were mediated by cardiovascular risk factors for dementia. RESULTS In all, 504 participants were included in this analysis, with a mean Pyramid score of 8.10 (SD 1.56). There were no significant associations between any MedDiet scoring method and any of the primary or secondary outcomes. There were no differences by sex in any analyses and no significant mediation between the Pyramid score and global cognition by cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study did not find evidence for an association between the MedDiet and either neuroimaging or cognition in a midlife population study. Future work should investigate associations between the MedDiet and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias biomarkers as well as functional neuroimaging in a midlife population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ingrid Buller-Peralta
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Katie Bridgeman
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Vanessa De La Cruz Góngora
- Global Brain Health Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Evaluation and Survey Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Maria-Eleni Dounavi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Audrey Low
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georgios Ntailianis
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mario A Parra
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig W Ritchie
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- Mackenzie Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Karen Ritchie
- INM, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Oliver M Shannon
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma J Stevenson
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Graciela Muniz-Terrera
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hepsomali P, Costabile A, Schoemaker M, Imakulata F, Allen P. Adherence to unhealthy diets is associated with altered frontal gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate concentrations and grey matter volume: preliminary findings. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38794782 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2355603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Common mental disorders (CMD) are associated with impaired frontal excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance and reduced grey matter volume (GMV). Larger GMV (in the areas that are implicated in CMD-pathology) and improved CMD-symptomatology have been observed in individuals who adhere to high quality diets. Moreover, preclinical studies have shown altered neurometabolites (primarily gamma-aminobutyric acid: GABA and glutamate: GLU) in relation to diet quality. However, neurochemical correlates of diet quality and how these neurobiological changes are associated with CMD and with its transdiagnostic factor, rumination, is unknown in humans. Therefore, in this study, we examined the associations between diet quality and frontal cortex neuro-chemistry and structure, as well as CMD and rumination in humans. METHODS Thirty adults were classified into high and low diet quality groups and underwent 1H-MRS to measure medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) metabolite concentrations and volumetric imaging to measure GMV. RESULTS Low (vs High) diet quality group had reduced mPFC-GABA and elevated mPFC-GLU concentrations, as well as reduced right precentral gyrus (rPCG) GMV. However, CMD and rumination were not associated with diet quality. Notably, we observed a significant negative correlation between rumination and rPCG-GMV and a marginally significant association between rumination and mPFC-GLU concentrations. There was also a marginally significant association between mPFC-GLU concentrations and rPCG-GMV. DISCUSSION Adhering to unhealthy dietary patterns may be associated with compromised E/I balance, and this could affect GMV, and subsequently, rumination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piril Hepsomali
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Adele Costabile
- School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Allen
- Department of Neuroimaging, Kings College London, Institute of Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Townsend R, Fairley A, Gregory S, Ritchie C, Stevenson E, Shannon OM. Nutrition for dementia prevention: a state of the art update for clinicians. Age Ageing 2024; 53:ii30-ii38. [PMID: 38745491 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dementia prevalence continues to rise. It is therefore essential to provide feasible and effective recommendations to encourage healthy brain ageing and reduce dementia risk across the population. Appropriate nutrition represents a potential strategy to mitigate dementia risk and could be recommended by clinicians as part of mid-life health checks and other health initiatives to reduce dementia prevalence. The purpose of this review is to provide a clinician-focused update on the current state of the knowledge on nutrition and dementia prevention. METHODS Narrative review. RESULTS Strong evidence exists to support the consumption of healthy, plant-based dietary patterns (e.g. Mediterranean, MIND or Nordic diet) for maintaining cognitive function and reducing dementia risk in later life and is supported by dementia prevention guideline from leading public health bodies (e.g. World Health Organization). Emerging evidence suggests potential cognitive benefits of consuming specific nutrients/foods (e.g. n-3 fatty acids or fish, flavonols and B-vitamins) and multi-nutrient compounds (e.g. Fortasyn Connect). Challenges and opportunities for integrating nutritional/dietary interventions for dementia prevention into clinical practice are explored in this review. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate nutrition represents an important factor to help facilitate healthy cognitive ageing and allay dementia risk. The information provided in this article can help clinicians provide informed opinions on appropriate nutritional strategies as part of mid-life Health Checks and other risk reduction initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Townsend
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrea Fairley
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Craig Ritchie
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- Brain Health and Neurodegenerative Medicine, Mackenzie Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Emma Stevenson
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Oliver M Shannon
- Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Centre for Healthier Lives, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sim YJ, Townsend RF, Mills S, Stocker R, Stevenson E, McEvoy C, Fairley AM. Understanding engagement in diet and dementia prevention research among British South Asians: a short report of findings from a patient and public involvement group. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024. [PMID: 38713734 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a global public health challenge. Evidence suggests that individuals from South Asian communities are an at-risk group for dementia, partly as a result of early and cumulative exposure to known dementia risk factors, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. There needs to be more culturally appropriate community engagement to increase awareness of dementia and identify better strategies to encourage participation in dementia-related research. METHODS We aimed to better understand the barriers and facilitators towards engaging with, and participating in, diet and dementia related research among British South Asians. This was achieved using a public and patient involvement (PPI) approach. A community-based, engagement event involving information sharing from experts and roundtable discussions with South Asian communities (n = 26 contributors) was held in June 2023 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. Collaboration from preidentified PPI representatives (n = 3) informed the content and structure of PPI activities, as well as recruitment. Data were synthesised using template analysis, a form of codebook thematic analysis. This involved deductively analysing data using relevant a priori themes, which were expanded upon, or modified, via inductive analysis. RESULTS The findings highlighted the importance of trust, representation and appreciation of cultural barriers as facilitators to engagement in diet and dementia risk reduction research. Consideration of language barriers, time constraints, social influences and how to embed community outreach activities were reported as driving factors to maximise participation. CONCLUSIONS This PPI work will inform the design and co-creation of a culturally adapted dietary intervention for brain health in accordance with the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research guidance for developing complex interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi J Sim
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rebecca F Townsend
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susanna Mills
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rachel Stocker
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Stevenson
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire McEvoy
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Andrea M Fairley
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McEvoy CT, Jennings A, Steves CJ, Macgregor A, Spector T, Cassidy A. Diet patterns and cognitive performance in a UK Female Twin Registry (TwinsUK). Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:17. [PMID: 38263271 PMCID: PMC10804649 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01387-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-based diets may provide protection against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, but observational data have not been consistent. Previous studies include early life confounding from socioeconomic conditions and genetics that are known to influence both cognitive performance and diet behaviour. This study investigated associations between Mediterranean (MED) diet and MIND diets and cognitive performance accounting for shared genotype and early-life environmental exposures in female twins. METHODS Diet scores were examined in 509 female twins enrolled in TwinsUK study. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery was used to assess cognition at baseline and 10 years later (in n = 275). A co-twin case-control study for discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins examined effects of diet on cognitive performance independent of genetic factors. Differences in relative abundance of taxa at 10-year follow-up were explored in subsamples. RESULTS Each 1-point increase in MIND or MED diet score was associated with 1.75 (95% CI: - 2.96, - 0.54, p = 0.005 and q = 0.11) and 1.67 (95% CI: - 2.71, - 0.65, p = 0.002 and q = 0.02) fewer respective errors in paired-associates learning. Within each MZ pair, the twin with the high diet score had better preservation in spatial span especially for MED diet (p = 0.02). There were no differences between diet scores and 10-year change in the other cognitive tests. MIND diet adherence was associated with higher relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 (0.30% (95% CI 0.17, 0.62), q = 0.05) which was also associated with less decline in global cognition over 10 years (0.22 (95% CI 0.06, 0.39), p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS MIND or MED diets could help to preserve some cognitive abilities in midlife, particularly episodic and visuospatial working memory. Effects may be mediated by high dietary fibre content and increased abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing gut bacteria. Longer follow-up with repeated measures of cognition will determine whether diet can influence changes in cognition occurring in older age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire T McEvoy
- The Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
- The Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Centre for Public Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences B, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK.
| | - Amy Jennings
- The Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Claire J Steves
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas' Campus, London, UK
| | | | - Tim Spector
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas' Campus, London, UK
| | - Aedin Cassidy
- The Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barbero Mazzucca C, Cappellano G, Chiocchetti A. Nutrition, Immunity and Aging: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives in Neurodegenerative Diseases. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:573-587. [PMID: 37138438 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230502123255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a gradual decline of physiological function and tissue homeostasis and, in many instances, is related to increased (neuro)-degeneration, together with inflammation, becoming one of the most important risks for developing neurodegenerative diseases. Certain individual nutrients or foods in combination may counteract aging and associated neurodegenerative diseases by promoting a balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Thus, nutrition could represent a powerful modulator of this fine balance, other than a modifiable risk factor to contrast inflammaging. This narrative review explores from a broad perspective the impact of nutrition on the hallmarks of aging and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Syndrome (ALS), starting from nutrients up to single foods and complex dietary patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Barbero Mazzucca
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease-CAAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cappellano
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease-CAAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiocchetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease-CAAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Andrews V, Zammit G, O’Leary F. Dietary pattern, food, and nutritional supplement effects on cognitive outcomes in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review of previous reviews. Nutr Rev 2023; 81:1462-1489. [PMID: 37027832 PMCID: PMC10563860 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Nutritional interventions may benefit cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, evidence is yet to be synthesized in a way that can inform recommendations for clinical and public health settings. OBJECTIVE To systematically review evidence on the effect of dietary patterns, foods, and nutritional supplements on cognitive decline in individuals with MCI. DATA SOURCES Guided by the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015 statement, the Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases, the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were searched (publication years 2005 to 2020). Included studies were English-language systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting on the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on cognition of individuals with MCI. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data on cognitive outcomes and adverse events. Review quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2). Primary study overlap was managed following Cochrane Handbook guidelines. DATA ANALYSIS Of the 6677 records retrieved, 20 reviews were included, which, in turn, reported on 43 randomized controlled trials and 1 cohort study that, together, addressed 18 nutritional interventions. Most reviews were limited by quality and the small number of primary studies with small sample sizes. Reviews were mostly positive for B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics (including 12, 11 and 4 primary studies, respectively). Souvenaid and the Mediterranean diet reduced cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease progression in single trials with <500 participants. Findings from studies with a small number of participants suggest vitamin D, a low-carbohydrate diet, medium-chain triglycerides, blueberries, grape juice, cocoa flavanols, and Brazil nuts may improve individual cognitive subdomains, but more studies are needed. CONCLUSIONS Few nutritional interventions were found to convincingly improve cognition of individuals with MCI. More high-quality research in MCI populations is required to determine if nutritional treatments improve cognition and/or reduce progression to dementia. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Open Science Framework protocol identifier DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/BEP2S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Andrews
- are with the Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Zammit
- are with the Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona O’Leary
- are with the Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Samuelsson J, Marseglia A, Lindberg O, Westman E, Pereira JB, Shams S, Kern S, Ahlner F, Rothenberg E, Skoog I, Zettergren A. Associations between dietary patterns and dementia-related neuroimaging markers. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4629-4640. [PMID: 36960849 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exploration of associations between dietary patterns and dementia-related neuroimaging markers can provide insights on food combinations that may impact brain integrity. METHODS Data were derived from the Swedish Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study (n = 610). Three dietary patterns were obtained using principal component analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging markers included cortical thickness, an Alzheimer's disease (AD) signature score, small vessel disease, and white matter microstructural integrity. Adjusted linear/ordinal regression analyses were performed. RESULTS A high-protein and alcohol dietary pattern was negatively associated with cortical thickness in the whole brain (Beta: -0.011; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.018 to -0.003), and with an Alzheimer's disease cortical thickness signature score (Beta: -0.013; 95% CI: -0.024 to -0.001). A positive association was found between a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and white matter microstructural integrity (Beta: 0.078; 95% CI: 0.002-0.154). No associations were found with a Western-like dietary pattern. DISCUSSION Dietary patterns may impact brain integrity through neurodegenerative and vascular pathways. HIGHLIGHTS Certain dietary patterns were associated with dementia-related neuroimaging markers. A Mediterranean dietary pattern was positively associated with white matter microstructure. A high-protein and alcohol pattern was negatively associated with cortical thickness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Samuelsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AGECAP), University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anna Marseglia
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Lindberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric Westman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana B Pereira
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Sara Shams
- Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, The Institution for Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Silke Kern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AGECAP), University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Felicia Ahlner
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AGECAP), University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | | | - Ingmar Skoog
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AGECAP), University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anna Zettergren
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AGECAP), University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maggi S, Ticinesi A, Limongi F, Noale M, Ecarnot F. The role of nutrition and the Mediterranean diet on the trajectories of cognitive decline. Exp Gerontol 2023; 173:112110. [PMID: 36720373 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide burden of dementia is immense, and set to increase to unprecedented levels in the coming decades, due to population aging. In the absence of disease-modifying treatment, there is therefore a strong rationale to support the assumption that acting on modifiable risk factors, especially in midlife, is a good strategy for reducing the burden of dementia. Among these risk factors, nutrition is key, as it is fundamental to healthy aging, and has interrelated benefits on a number of organ systems, metabolic processes and health states that can all contribute to modifying the risk of dementia. In this paper, we review the methodological challenges of comparing studies of dietary interventions. We then discuss the effect of genetics and the environment on brain health, and review in particular the literature data on the effect of nutrition on cognition. We summarize the body of data reporting the largely beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on brain health, and the possible mechanisms that mediate these effects. Finally, we discuss future perspectives for further research in the field, notably the "gut-brain axis", thought to be a key mediator of the effect of nutrition on brain health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Maggi
- National Research Council, Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Parma University-Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Limongi
- National Research Council, Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy
| | - Marianna Noale
- National Research Council, Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy
| | - Fiona Ecarnot
- University Hospital, Research Unit EA3920, University of Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dietary Responses of Dementia-Related Genes Encoding Metabolic Enzymes. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030644. [PMID: 36771351 PMCID: PMC9921944 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The age-related loss of the cognitive function is a growing concern for global populations. Many factors that determine cognitive resilience or dementia also have metabolic functions. However, this duality is not universally appreciated when the action of that factor occurs in tissues external to the brain. Thus, we examined a set of genes involved in dementia, i.e., those related to vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and the human metabolism for activity in 12 metabolically active tissues. Mining the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data showed that most of these metabolism-dementia (MD) genes (62 of 93, 67%) exhibit a higher median expression in any of the metabolically active tissues than in the brain. After identifying that several MD genes served as blood-based biomarkers of longevity in other studies, we examined the impact of the intake of food, nutrients, and other dietary factors on the expression of MD genes in whole blood in the Framingham Offspring Study (n = 2134). We observed positive correlations between flavonoids and HMOX1, taurine and UQCRC1, broccoli and SLC10A2, and myricetin and SLC9A8 (p < 2.09 × 10-4). In contrast, dairy protein, palmitic acid, and pie were negatively correlated, respectively, with the expression of IGF1R, CSF1R, and SLC9A8, among others (p < 2.92 × 10-4). The results of this investigation underscore the potential contributions of metabolic enzyme activity in non-brain tissues to the risk of dementia. Specific epidemiological or intervention studies could be designed using specific foods and nutrients or even dietary patterns focused on these foods and nutrients that influence the expression of some MD genes to verify the findings presented here.
Collapse
|
11
|
Townsend RF, Logan D, O’Neill RF, Prinelli F, Woodside JV, McEvoy CT. Whole Dietary Patterns, Cognitive Decline and Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Prospective and Intervention Studies. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020333. [PMID: 36678204 PMCID: PMC9865080 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia prevalence is a global public health concern. Adherence towards a healthy dietary pattern (DP) may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This narrative systematic review aimed to synthesise prospective and intervention study data to evaluate the impact of a-posteriori and a-priori derived DPs on cognitive ageing, from cognitive decline to incident dementia. Ninety-three studies were included: 83 prospective studies and 10 randomised controlled trials (RCT). Most prospective studies (77%) examined a-priori DPs, with the Mediterranean diet examined most frequently. A total of 52% of prospective and 50% of RCTs reported a protective relationship between 'healthy' DPs and global cognitive decline. Overall, 59% of prospective studies reported positive associations between healthy DPs and risk of cognitive disorder. Incident cognitive disorder was examined by only one intervention study (subgroup analysis) which reported a beneficial effect of a low-fat diet on risk of probable dementia in women. Unhealthy DPs were examined less frequently (n = 17; 21%), with 41% of these studies reporting associations between adherence and poorer cognitive outcomes. Overall, there were mixed results for healthy and unhealthy DPs on cognition, likely due to between-study heterogeneity. Standardisation of diet exposure and cognitive outcome measurement would help to reduce this. Future research would benefit from investigating effects of culturally appropriate DPs on individual cognitive domains and incident cognitive disorders in diverse and high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Logan
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Roisin F. O’Neill
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Federica Prinelli
- Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, 93 20054 Milan, Italy
| | - Jayne V. Woodside
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Claire T. McEvoy
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh A Sorond
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|