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Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
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Specific nutrient patterns are associated with higher structural brain integrity in dementia-free older adults
Federica Prinelli1, Laura Fratiglioni2, Grégoria Kalpouzos3
1Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18A Floor 10, SE-171 65, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Biomedical Technologies - National Research Council, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Milan, Italy.
Neuroimage
|June 3, 2019
Summary
Specific nutrient patterns are linked to brain health in older adults. Higher intake of fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids correlate with greater total brain volume and lower white matter hyperintensities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Optimal nutrition is crucial for brain health, yet specific dietary patterns' impact on brain structure remains unclear.
- Understanding nutrient-diet relationships can inform strategies for cognitive maintenance in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific nutrient dietary patterns and brain structural characteristics in older adults.
- To identify dietary patterns that may promote or detract from brain integrity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 417 dementia-free participants (≥60 years) from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care-Kungsholmen (SNAC-K).
- Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess total brain volume (TBV) and white matter hyperintensities volume (WMHV).
- Principal component analysis identified five nutrient patterns, and linear regression models analyzed their association with brain metrics, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Higher intake of nutrient patterns rich in fiber, antioxidants (NP1), long-chain omega-3 PUFAs & proteins (NP2), and MUFAs & PUFAs (NP3) were associated with larger total brain volume.
- Higher intake of NP1 was linked to lower white matter hyperintensities volume, while higher intake of SFAs & trans fats (NP4) was associated with greater white matter hyperintensities.
- A nutrient pattern high in B-vitamins & retinol (NP5) was associated with smaller total brain volume.
Conclusions:
- Dietary patterns characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meats, and low intake of dairy and processed meats, are associated with better brain structure in older adults.
- Specific nutrient combinations, particularly those rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, show a positive association with brain integrity.
- These findings highlight the potential of targeted dietary interventions to support brain health and cognitive function in aging populations.
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