Scientists have been intensely studying the brain for years, aiming to promote healthier aging and prevent cognitive decline.
Although much is known about the risk factors that accelerate brain aging, less is known about effective ways to maintain cognitive function as we age.
However, recent research has shed new light on the important role that certain nutrients play in healthy brain aging.
The fusion of neuroscience and nutritional science
This research natural agingled by Aaron Barbey, director of the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
At his side were Zhishen Wu, a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska, and Christopher Zwilling, a research scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This team of talented scientists conducted a complex study that combined cutting-edge innovations in neuroscience and nutritional science to identify specific nutrient profiles in participants who showed improved cognitive performance.
Identifying two types of brain aging
In this cross-sectional study, 100 cognitively healthy participants aged 65 to 75 years were enrolled and completed questionnaires regarding demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity.
Plasma was collected after the fasting period to analyze nutritional biomarkers, and participants also underwent cognitive assessments and MRI scans.
The effort revealed two types of brain aging in the participants: accelerated and slower-than-expected. Interestingly, participants with slower brain aging had a unique nutritional profile.
Beneficial nutrients to boost your brain
Blood biomarkers of beneficial nutrients identified in this study include:
- fatty acid: Vaccenic acid, gondic acid, α-linolenic acid, erucosapentaenoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, lignoceric acid
- Antioxidants and carotenoids: Contains cis-lutein, trans-lutein, and zeaxanthin
- The two forms of vitamin E: Found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, to name a few.
- Colin: Found in egg yolks and fish
This profile correlates with nutrients found in the Mediterranean diet, which previous studies have linked to healthy brain aging.
“We looked at specific nutritional biomarkers, such as fatty acid profiles, which are known in nutritional science to potentially confer health benefits,” Barbey explained.
This is consistent with extensive research in this area demonstrating the positive health effects of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes foods rich in these beneficial nutrients.
In this study, we identified specific and promising nutrient biomarker patterns that were positively associated with indicators of cognitive performance and brain health.
The relationship between diet, cognition, and brain function
One unique aspect of this study is its comprehensive approach, integrating data on nutrition, cognitive function, and brain imaging.
“This allows us to build a more robust understanding of the relationships between these factors, which goes beyond simply measuring cognitive abilities with traditional neuropsychological tests,” Barbey noted. did.
“Instead, we examine brain structure, function, and metabolism simultaneously and demonstrate that there is a direct link between these brain properties and cognitive abilities.”
Their research shows that these brain characteristics are directly related to diet and nutrition, as evidenced by the patterns observed in nutrient biomarkers.
The next step in brain aging research
The researchers plan to continue investigating how this nutritional profile relates to healthy brain aging. In the future, Barbey said, the findings could help develop treatments and interventions that promote brain health.
“The next important step is to conduct randomized controlled trials. These trials will isolate specific nutrients with positive associations with cognitive function and brain health, and then introduce them in the form of dietary supplements. We will administer it,” he said.
This approach will enable scientists to clearly assess whether increasing levels of these specific nutrient profiles reliably translates into improved cognitive test performance and measures of brain structure, function and metabolism.
In addition to his ongoing research, Barbey nutrition journaltitled “Nutrition and the Brain — Exploring the Path to Optimal Brain Health Through Nutrition.”
“The National Institutes of Health recently launched a 10-year strategic plan to significantly accelerate nutrition research. Our research is directly aligned with this important effort, and we believe dietary patterns can improve brain health.” We aim to provide valuable insights into how this affects cognitive function and cognitive function,” concluded Barbey.
Aging Gracefully with a Healthy Brain
In summary, this fascinating study led by Aaron Barbey and his team from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign opens new doors in our understanding of the complex relationship between nutrition and brain health.
By combining cutting-edge techniques in neuroscience and nutritional science, we have identified specific nutritional profiles that slow brain aging and improve cognitive performance.
This profile is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds and is consistent with the well-known Mediterranean diet, which aims to promote healthier brain aging. This gives hope for future interventions.
Researchers continue to explore this fascinating field through randomized controlled trials and special collections like the upcoming “Nutrition and the Brain.” nutrition journalwe are getting closer to unlocking the secrets of optimal brain health and developing targeted strategies to nourish your mind throughout your life.
The full study was published in the journal Neurology. natural aging.
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