Healthy brain ageing and cognition: Nutritional factors

Nutrition and Frailty

“…A recent review of the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of the gut-brain axis and amyloidogenic properties of gut bacteria suggest a possible impact of nutrients in modulating gut bacteria composition and amyloid formation, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (33). While associations between individual nutrients and cognitive function have been documented, the evidence was not considered strong enough for the recommendation of individual nutrient supplementation, but rather health promotion messages should focus on increasing intakes of certain food groups such as fruits vegetables and oily fish (34,35).…”

Role of nurses in addressing modifiable risk factors for early Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment

“…The NHS (2018) advocates eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, based on advice from the World Health Organization 2005, which recommends eating a minimum of 400 g of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy diet can protect against cognitive decline, possibly due to associated reductions in cardiovascular risk factors (Scarmeas et al, 2006;Morris et al, 2015;Vandewoude et al, 2016;Berendsen et al, 2017;Cherbuin and Walsh, 2019). Such diets include the Mediterranean diet, which can be broadly described as one containing relatively little red meat, with a focus on including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts and olive oil.…”

“…Synaptic loss is an important feature of early Alzheimer's disease and the formation of new synapses is dependent on key nutritional elements that are known to be deficient in people with the disease, such as omega-3 fatty acids (Jicha and Markesbery, 2010), folate and vitamins B12, C and E (Glasø et al, 2004;Smach et al, 2011), as well as other important micronutrients (Scheltens et al, 2012). There has therefore been a growing interest in recent years in nutritional supplementation as a way to maintain a 'healthy brain' and reduce cognitive decline (Vandewoude et al, 2016). Previous studies have looked at a range of nutritional factors to modify clinical progression of Alzheimer's disease (Le Bars et al, 1997;Freund-Levi et al, 2006;Smith et al, 2010;Jernerén et al, 2015;Charemboon and Jaisin, 2015).…”

“…While the correction of specific deficiencies is necessary to improve nutritional status, currently there is no generally applicable evidence to recommend the use of single-agent micronutrient supplementation at any stage of dementia or for prevention (Vandewoude et al, 2016;Rutjes et al, 2018). Conversely, there is emerging evidence that supplementation with a combination of such micronutrients may be more promising, consistent with the fact that a deficiency in any precursor has the potential to be a rate limiting step in the Kennedy cycle, the biochemical pathway involved in the synthesis of phospholipids required for the formation of neuronal membranes and synapses (Sakamoto et al, 2007;Rasmussen, 2019).…”

Essential Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals Moderate the Relationship between the Right Frontal Pole and Measures of Memory

“…Many recent studies have investigated the relationship between nutrient intake, brain health, and cognitive function (for a review see refs. []). For example, nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids play a crucial role in ensuring proper brain function.…”