GR-2016-02361730 - NutBrain - A system epidemiology approach to explore the complex relationship between nutrition and brain aging - CUP B86C18002010001 (DSB.AD007.176)

Thematic area

Biomedical sciences

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of biomedical technologies (ITB)

Project manager

MARCO SEVERGNINI
Phone number: 0226422705
Email: marco.severgnini@itb.cnr.it

Abstract

With this project we will have the opportunity to investigate the role of modifiable risk factors, as dietary habits, in determining the occurrence of cognitive decline with the aim to develop new intervention strategies targeted to the elderly population. A cohort of about 1000 adults aged 65 years or more, visited and investigated about lifestyle habits 20 years ago, will be re-assessed on the global cognitive function. A nested case-control study will be performed for better exploring the effect of diet on cognitive decline, brain health, and its impact on gut microbiome. Within this framework, we will apply a 'system epidemiology' approach to provide new insights on the underlying mechanistic pathways of the relationship between dietary exposure and brain-age related diseases. This project has the potential to consider the dietary intervention
as a viable strategy for preserving cognitive abilities and protecting brain from damage, and counteracting the effects of aging

Goals

Specific Aim 1
The objectives of the project are presented in chronological order. Firstly, we will i) assess the overall cognitive efficiency in a cohort of adults of 65 years or more; and ii) estimate the prevalence of MCI and study the association with mid-life modifiable risk factors.
Specific Aim 2
We will i) analyse the relationship between changes in dietary exposure and the occurrence of MCI; ii) explore whether the effect of diet on age-related cognitive decline is mediated by specific biomarkers; iii) determine the possible effect of the gene-diet interaction in modulating the occurrence of cognitive decline
Specific Aim 3
We will: i) evaluate the impact of long-term diet exposure on gut microbiota composition and its possible contribution to cognitive decline; ii) investigate the effects elicited by nutrients and dietary patterns on both brain function and structure using neuroimaging techniques; iii) explore the gut-brain interaction

Start date of activity

01/10/2018

Keywords

MCI, Nutrition, Brain aging

Last update: 11/05/2025