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Abbiategrasso Brain Bank Protocol for Collecting, Processing and Characterizing Aging Brains
Published on: June 3, 2020
Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging.
G L Bowman1, L C Silbert, D Howieson
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA. bowmang@ohsu.edu
Neurology
|December 30, 2011
Summary
Specific nutrient patterns in plasma, including vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, correlate with better brain health and cognitive function in elders. High trans fat intake was linked to poorer outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional neuroscience
- Geriatric medicine
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Brain health and cognitive function decline with age.
- Dietary patterns influence neurological health.
- Biomarkers can indicate nutrient status and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between nutrient levels and brain health indicators in older adults without dementia.
- To identify specific nutrient biomarker patterns associated with cognitive function and brain structure.
Main Methods:
- Assayed 30 plasma biomarkers of diet in 104 elderly participants (Oregon Brain Aging Study).
- Utilized principal component analysis to define nutrient biomarker patterns (NBPs).
- Employed regression models to correlate NBPs with cognitive and MRI outcomes.
Main Results:
- Two NBPs were linked to better cognitive and MRI results: one rich in vitamins B, C, D, E, and another high in marine omega-3 fatty acids.
- A pattern high in trans fats correlated with reduced cognitive function and brain volume.
- Depression moderated the association between marine omega-3s and white matter hyperintensity volume.
Conclusions:
- Plasma nutrient patterns are significant predictors of cognitive function and brain volume in older adults.
- Multivariate and objective nutritional assessments are valuable for studying brain health.
- Further validation in diverse populations is recommended.
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