In Pursuit of Healthy Aging: Effects of Nutrition on Brain Function
Date
2021
Authors
Martins Melzer, Thayza
Meller Manosso, Luana
Yau, Suk-yu
Gil-Mohapel, Joana
Brocardo, Patricia S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Abstract
Consuming a balanced, nutritious diet is important for maintaining health, especially
as individuals age. Several studies suggest that consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and antiinflammatory
components such as those found in fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish may reduce agerelated
cognitive decline and the risk of developing various neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous
studies have been published over the last decade focusing on nutrition and how this impacts health.
The main objective of the current article is to review the data linking the role of diet and nutrition
with aging and age-related cognitive decline. Specifically, we discuss the roles of micronutrients and
macronutrients and provide an overview of how the gut microbiota-gut-brain axis and nutrition
impact brain function in general and cognitive processes in particular during aging. We propose that
dietary interventions designed to optimize the levels of macro and micronutrients and maximize
the functioning of the microbiota-gut-brain axis can be of therapeutic value for improving cognitive
functioning, particularly during aging.
Description
Keywords
aging, cognition, macronutrients, microbiota-gut-brain axis, micronutrients, neutrodegeneration, nutrition, Island Medical Program
Citation
Martins Melzer, T., Meller Manosso, L., Yau, S., Gil-Mohapel, J., & Brocardo, P. S. (2021). In Pursuit of Healthy Aging: Effects of Nutrition on Brain Function. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(9), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22095026.