Diet, Metabolism and Synaptic Function: Integrating Evidence Across Models in Neurodegeneration Research

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Metabolic research
• Dietary impact on brain health

Background:

• Brain metabolism is more complex than previously thought, with implications for neurological health.
• Metabolic disorders and hypercaloric diets are linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease risk.
• Brain energy utilization changes are observed in neurodegenerative disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence linking unhealthy diets to synaptic function.
• To explore mechanisms like insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
• To identify knowledge gaps and translational considerations for human interventions.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of human observational studies.
• Analysis of mechanistic insights from animal and cellular models.
• Focus on synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Main Results:

• Unhealthy diets negatively affect synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
• Candidate mechanisms include insulin resistance, lipid-driven inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered lipid handling.
• Human studies show associations, while animal models provide mechanistic insights.

Conclusions:

• Dietary patterns significantly influence brain health and function.
• Metabolic dysfunction and unhealthy diets contribute to synaptic vulnerability.
• Further research is needed to bridge preclinical findings with clinical interventions for neurological disorders.