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Nutrition, Brain and Cognition
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Nutrition, Brain and Cognition

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 69137

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Panteleimon Giannakopoulos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
Interests: Alzheimer’s disease; biomarkers; brain activation; magnetic resonance imaging; neurosciences; psychiatry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, several lines of evidence have supported the idea that lifestyle choices, including diet, are important modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mediterranean diet and dietary approaches to prevent hypertension may have significant neuroprotective benefits. In the same line, dietary polyphenols, particularly wine polyphenols, act on oral and gut microbiota composition and function and are considered promising strategy to prevent or slow down AD progression. Unhealthy nutrition impacts on gut microbiota, influencing its composition and resulting in predisposition to neurodegenerative diseases, given the recently discovered importance of the “gut–brain” axis. By contrast, a healthy diet for the middle aged, composed of probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols, can prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Very recent contributions also pointed to the role of calorie restriction on metainflammation, insulin resistance and, ultimately, spreading of AD lesions. The objective of this proposed Special Issue on “Nutrition, Brain, and Cognition” is to publish updated and cutting-edge scientific findings on specific nutrients and foods, and dietary patterns that are relevant for primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention of age-related cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, articles (reviews and/or clinical or experimental studies) on nutrients and dietary patterns for which there has already been some evidence presented from randomized controlled trials (or are at the stage of ongoing trials) but also papers (reviews and/or clinical or experimental studies) dealing with the role of specific nutrients on cognitive function and brain–gut interaction will be prioritized.

Prof. Dr. Panteleimon Giannakopoulos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • clinical trials
  • cognitive impairment
  • dementia
  • diet/dietary patterns
  • micronutrients
  • macronutrients
  • nutrition
  • observational studies
  • prevention and treatment

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 590 KiB  
Article
Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain and Children’s Cognitive Development: A Birth Cohort Study
by Xuemei Hao, Jingru Lu, Shuangqin Yan, Fangbiao Tao and Kun Huang
Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4613; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214613 - 2 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2605
Abstract
To investigate the joint effect of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on children’s cognitive development. We recruited 1685 mother–child pairs from the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort in China. Pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were calculated based on the height [...] Read more.
To investigate the joint effect of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on children’s cognitive development. We recruited 1685 mother–child pairs from the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort in China. Pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were calculated based on the height and weights measured at multiple antenatal checkups. Children’s cognition was assessed by Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition. Poisson regression model was used to analyze the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and children’s cognitive dimensions under different GWG categories. Women with overweight or obese before pregnancy were more likely to obtain excessive GWG. When women had excessive GWG, pre-pregnancy overweight was associated with low children’s PSI (OR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.02–2.81) and pre-pregnancy obesity was related to poor VCI in children (OR = 3.71, 95%CI: 1.49–9.22), after adjusting for potential confounders. In pre-pregnancy underweight mothers, adequate GWG reduced the risk of below-average VSI in children (OR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.05–0.92), but excessive GWG was related to low FSIQ in children (OR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.34–4.76). In women with excessive GWG, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI displays an inverted U-shape association with children’s cognition. Moreover, adequate GWG in women with pre-pregnancy underweight was beneficial for children’s cognition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
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19 pages, 4305 KiB  
Article
Realgar Alleviated Neuroinflammation Induced by High Protein and High Calorie Diet in Rats via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis
by Cong Feng, Aihong Li, Chenhui Yin, Siying Wang, Weiyuan Jin, Yi Liu, Taoguang Huo and Hong Jiang
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3958; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193958 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2144
Abstract
Purpose: Gastrointestinal heat retention syndrome (GHRS) often occurs in adolescents, resulting into nervous system injury. Realgar, an arsenic mineral with neuroprotective effect, has been widely used to treat GHRS. However, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Methods: A GHRS rat model was established [...] Read more.
Purpose: Gastrointestinal heat retention syndrome (GHRS) often occurs in adolescents, resulting into nervous system injury. Realgar, an arsenic mineral with neuroprotective effect, has been widely used to treat GHRS. However, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Methods: A GHRS rat model was established using a high protein and high calorie diet. We performed macroscopic characterization by assessing bowel sounds, hot/cold preference, anal temperature, and fecal features. Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to evaluate brain arsenic level while hippocampal ultrastructural changes were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. In addition, inflammatory cytokines and BBB breakdown were analyzed by western blotting, immunofluorescence assays, and immunohistochemistry staining. We also evaluated hippocampal metabolites by LC-MS while fecal microorganisms were assessed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: Our data showed that the high protein and high calorie diet induced GHRS. The rat model depicted decreased bowel sounds, increased fecal characteristics score, preference for low temperature zone, and increased anal temperature. In addition, there was increase in inflammatory factors IL-6, Iba-1, and NF-κB p65 as well as reduced BBB structural protein Claudin-5 and Occludin. The data also showed appearance of hippocampus metabolites disorder and fecal microbial imbalance. Realgar treatment conferred a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting GHRS-specific characteristics, neuroinflammatory response, BBB impairment, metabolites disorder, and microbial imbalance in the GHRS rat model. Conclusion: Taken together, our analysis demonstrated that realgar confers a neuroprotective effect in GHRS rats through modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
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11 pages, 404 KiB  
Communication
Higher Dietary Intake of Advanced Glycation End Products Is Associated with Faster Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
by Michal Schnaider Beeri, Roni Lotan, Jaime Uribarri, Sue Leurgans, David A. Bennett and Aron S. Buchman
Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071468 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3056
Abstract
Objective: Dietary-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) vary for different food types and the methods employed during their preparation may contribute to diverse chronic health conditions. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations of dietary AGEs (dAGEs) with cognitive decline [...] Read more.
Objective: Dietary-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) vary for different food types and the methods employed during their preparation may contribute to diverse chronic health conditions. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations of dietary AGEs (dAGEs) with cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Non-demented older adults (n = 684) underwent annual testing with 19 cognitive tests summarized as a global cognitive score based on five cognitive domains. We modified a previously validated food frequency questionnaire designed to assess dAGE. The modified questionnaire assessed portion size and frequency of consumption of six food groups (meat, poultry, fish, cheese, spreads, and processed foods), as well as the method of their preparation (e.g., grilling, boiling). dAGE was the sum of the scores of the six food groups. Linear mixed-effect models were used to examine the association of baseline dAGE with cognitive decline. All models controlled for age, sex, education, race, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Average follow-up was 3.0 years. Higher baseline dAGEs was associated with a faster rate of global cognitive decline (Estimate = −0.003 (standard error = 0.001, p-value = 0.015). This association was driven by declines in episodic memory (−0.004 (0.002, 0.013)) and perceptual speed (−0.003 (0.001, 0.049)) but not by semantic memory, working memory, and visuospatial domains. These associations were not attenuated by controlling for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, including diabetes. Levels of dAGE of the specific food groups were not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusions: Higher levels of dietary AGE levels in older adults are associated with faster cognitive decline. These data lend further support for the importance of diet and that its modification may slow or prevent late-life cognitive impairment. Further clinical studies will be needed and the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations will need to be identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
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Review

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28 pages, 1670 KiB  
Review
Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs
by Matěj Malík and Pavel Tlustoš
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163367 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 41499
Abstract
Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” are a diverse group of medicinal substances whose action improves human thinking, learning, and memory, especially in cases where these functions are impaired. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the potential effectiveness and importance of nootropics. [...] Read more.
Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” are a diverse group of medicinal substances whose action improves human thinking, learning, and memory, especially in cases where these functions are impaired. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the potential effectiveness and importance of nootropics. Based on their nature and their effects, this heterogeneous group of drugs has been divided into four subgroups: classical nootropic compounds, substances increasing brain metabolism, cholinergic, and plants and their extracts with nootropic effects. Each subgroup of nootropics contains several main representatives, and for each one, its uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosage, and possible side effects and contraindications are discussed. For the nootropic plant extracts, there is also a brief description of each plant representative, its occurrence, history, and chemical composition of the medicinal part. Lastly, specific recommendations regarding the use of nootropics by both ill and healthy individuals are summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
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24 pages, 371 KiB  
Review
Healthy Food Pyramid as Well as Physical and Mental Activity in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Alina Kępka, Agnieszka Ochocińska, Małgorzata Borzym-Kluczyk, Sylwia Chojnowska, Ewa Skorupa, Małgorzata Przychodzeń and Napoleon Waszkiewicz
Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1534; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081534 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5073
Abstract
The ageing of the population is resulting in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which are an increasing social, economic and medical problem. Diet and physical activity are now considered as important modifiable factors that help prevent or delay the development of AD [...] Read more.
The ageing of the population is resulting in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which are an increasing social, economic and medical problem. Diet and physical activity are now considered as important modifiable factors that help prevent or delay the development of AD and other dementia-related diseases. The pyramid of healthy nutrition and lifestyle is a way of presenting the principles, the implementation of which gives a chance for proper development and a long healthy life. The basis of the pyramid, in the first place, is physical activity. Our review of the literature in the PubMed database supports the hypothesis that complementary factors, such as proper diet, physical exercise and mental activity, have a positive impact on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The nutritional recommendations for healthy adults primarily include the consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils and fishes. Therefore, the introduction of Mediterranean and Asian diets may reduce the risk of the neurodegenerative diseases associated with dementia, whereas dairy products and meat—the main sources of L-carnitine—should be consumed in moderate amounts. The aim of our work is to provide up-to-date knowledge about the appropriate dietary model and healthy lifestyle elements and their impact on good health and the long life of people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
9 pages, 294 KiB  
Review
Scientific Evidences of Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting for Neuroprotection in Traumatic Brain Injury Animal Models: A Review of the Literature
by Yang Xu, Zejie Liu, Shuting Xu, Chengxian Li, Manrui Li, Shuqiang Cao, Yuwen Sun, Hao Dai, Yadong Guo, Xiameng Chen and Weibo Liang
Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071431 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3985
Abstract
It has widely been accepted that food restriction (FR) without malnutrition has multiple health benefits. Various calorie restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) regimens have recently been reported to exert neuroprotective effects in traumatic brain injury (TBI) through variable mechanisms. However, the evidence [...] Read more.
It has widely been accepted that food restriction (FR) without malnutrition has multiple health benefits. Various calorie restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) regimens have recently been reported to exert neuroprotective effects in traumatic brain injury (TBI) through variable mechanisms. However, the evidence connecting CR or IF to neuroprotection in TBI as well as current issues remaining in this research field have yet to be reviewed in literature. The objective of our review was therefore to weigh the evidence that suggests the connection between CR/IF with recovery promotion following TBI. Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Science were searched from inception to 25 February 2022. An overwhelming number of results generated suggest that several types of CR/IF play a promising role in promoting post-TBI recovery. This recovery is believed to be achieved by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction, promoting hippocampal neurogenesis, inhibiting glial cell responses, shaping neural cell plasticity, as well as targeting apoptosis and autophagy. Further, we represent our views on the current issues and provide thoughts on the future direction of this research field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
27 pages, 857 KiB  
Review
One Giant Leap from Mouse to Man: The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in Mood Disorders and Translational Challenges Moving towards Human Clinical Trials
by Sofia D. Forssten, Arthur C. Ouwehand, Síle M. Griffin and Elaine Patterson
Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030568 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9385
Abstract
The microbiota–gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway that enables the gut microbiota to communicate with the brain through direct and indirect signaling pathways to influence brain physiology, function, and even behavior. Research has shown that probiotics can improve several aspects of health [...] Read more.
The microbiota–gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway that enables the gut microbiota to communicate with the brain through direct and indirect signaling pathways to influence brain physiology, function, and even behavior. Research has shown that probiotics can improve several aspects of health by changing the environment within the gut, and several lines of evidence now indicate a beneficial effect of probiotics on mental and brain health. Such evidence has prompted the arrival of a new term to the world of biotics research: psychobiotics, defined as any exogenous influence whose effect on mental health is bacterially mediated. Several taxonomic changes in the gut microbiota have been reported in neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. While clinical evidence supporting the role of the gut microbiota in mental and brain health, and indeed demonstrating the beneficial effects of probiotics is rapidly accumulating, most of the evidence to date has emerged from preclinical studies employing different animal models. The purpose of this review is to focus on the role of probiotics and the microbiota–gut–brain axis in relation to mood disorders and to review the current translational challenges from preclinical to clinical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Brain and Cognition)
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