Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 76591

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ligia J. Dominguez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: nutrition; aging; type 2 diabetes; Alzheimer; cardiovascular disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Giuseppe Salemi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Neurology and Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Interests: autoimmune neurological disorders; multiple sclerosis; cerebrovascular disease; Parkinson; migraine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to a recent estimate, nearly 100 million Americans are affected by at least 1 of the more than 1000 neurological disorders, with an overall predictable yearly cost of 765 billion dollars for the more prevalent conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stroke, migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The absolute numbers of incident, prevalent, fatal cases, and disability-adjusted life-years of neurological disorders have increased in the past two decades in all US states. According to the WHO, the situation around the world is similar, with data from the Global Burden of Disease study identifying neurological disorders as one of the greatest threats to public health. Advances in research have made it possible to deepen the knowledge on the physiopathology of neurological disorders, as well as on their prevention and effective therapies. Although new specific pharmacological therapies are currently available and continue to be developed, the fundamental role of non-pharmacological factors in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, together with standard therapies, is increasingly recognized.

The aim of this Special Issue is to update knowledge on non-pharmacological factors involved in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders including diet, physical activity, mental fitness, sleep quality, and social interaction.

Dr. Ligia J. Dominguez
Dr. Giuseppe Salemi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

diet
neurological disorders
physical activity
sleep quality
mental fitness

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactate Threshold Training Program on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach

by Alessandra Amato, Paolo Ragonese, Sonia Ingoglia, Gabriella Schiera, Giuseppe Schirò, Carlo Maria Di Liegro, Giuseppe Salemi, Italia Di Liegro and Patrizia Proia

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4284; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124284 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4081

Abstract

Physical activity could play a key role in improving the quality of life, particularly in patients with nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Through lactacid anaerobic training, this study aims to investigate the effects at a bio-psycho-physical level to counteract the chronic fatigue associated with the pathology, and to improve mental health at a psychological and neurotrophic level. Eight subjects (age: 34.88 ± 4.45 years) affected by multiple sclerosis were involved. A lactate threshold training program was administered biweekly for 12 weeks at the beginning of the study (T0), at the end of the study (T1) and at 9 months after the end of the study (T2), with physical, psychological and hematochemicals parameters, and dietary habits being tested. The results obtained confirmed that lactacid exercise can influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as well as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels. In addition, levels of baseline lactate, which could be best used as an energy substrate, showed a decrease after the protocol training. Self-efficacy regarding worries and concerns management significantly increased from T0 to T1. The eating attitudes test (EAT-26) did not highlight any eating disease in the patients with a normal diet enrolled in our study. Physical exercise also greatly influenced the patients psychologically and emotionally, increasing their self-esteem. Lactate threshold training, together with dietary habits, appears to exert synergic positive effects on inflammation, neural plasticity and neuroprotection, producing preventive effects on MS symptoms and progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Migraine and Its Association with Hyperactivity of Cell Membranes in the Course of Latent Magnesium Deficiency—Preliminary Study of the Importance of the Latent Tetany Presence in the Migraine Pathogenesis

by Joanna Cegielska, Elżbieta Szmidt-Sałkowska, Wojciech Domitrz, Małgorzata Gaweł, Maria Radziwoń-Zaleska and Izabela Domitrz

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082701 - 5 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3763

Abstract

So far, there is no consistent and convincing theory explaining the pathogenesis of migraines. Vascular disorders, the effect of oxidative stress on neurons, and the contribution of magnesium-calcium deficiencies in triggering cortical depression and abnormal glutaminergic neurotransmission are taken into account. However, there are no reliable publications confirming the role of dietary deficits of magnesium and latent tetany as factors triggering migraine attacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of latent magnesium deficiency assessed with the electrophysiological tetany test on the course of migraine. The study included: a group of 35 patients (29 women and six men; in mean age 41 years) with migraine and a control group of 24 (17 women and seven men; in mean age 39 years) healthy volunteers. Migraine diagnosis was based on the International Headache Society criteria, 3rd edition. All patients and controls after full general and neurological examination were subjected to a standard electrophysiological ischemic tetany test. Moreover, the level of magnesium in blood serum was tested and was in the normal range in all patients. Then, the incidence of a positive tetany EMG test results in the migraine group and the results in the subgroups with and without aura were compared to the results in the control group. Moreover, the relationship between clinical markers of spasmophilia and the results of the tetany test was investigated in the migraine group. As well as the relationship between migraine frequency and tetany test results. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of the electrophysiological exponent of spasmophilia between the migraine and control group. Neither correlation between the occurrence of clinical symptoms nor the frequency of migraine attacks and the results of the tetany test was stated (p > 0.05). However, there was an apparent statistical difference between the subgroup of migraine patients with aura in relation to the control group (p < 0.05). The result raises hope to find a trigger for migraine attacks of this clinical form, the more that this factor may turn out to be easy to supplement with dietary supplementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Distancing in Chronic Migraine during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from a Multicenter Observational Study

by Vincenzo Di Stefano, Raffaele Ornello, Andrea Gagliardo, Angelo Torrente, Elisa Illuminato, Valeria Caponnetto, Ilaria Frattale, Raffaella Golini, Chiara Di Felice, Fabiola Graziano, Maria Caccamo, Davide Ventimiglia, Salvatore Iacono, Gabriella Matarazzo, Francesco Armetta, Giuseppe Battaglia, Alberto Firenze, Simona Sacco and Filippo Brighina

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041361 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4442

Abstract

Background: The restrictions taken to control the rapid spread of COVID-19 resulted in a sudden, unprecedented change in people’s lifestyle, leading to negative consequences on general health. This study aimed to estimate the impact of such changes on migraine severity during 2020 March–May lockdown. Methods: Patients affected by migraine with or without aura, diagnosed by expert physicians, completed a detailed interview comprehensive of: assessment of migraine characteristics; measure of physical activity (PA) levels; measure of the intake frequency of main Italian foods; the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire investigating sleep disorders. Results: We included 261 patients with a mean age of 44.5 ± 12.3 years. During social distancing, 72 patients (28%) reported a headache worsening, 86 (33%) an improvement, and 103 (39%) a stable headache frequency. A significant decrease of the PA levels during COVID-19 quarantine in the whole study sample was observed (median total metabolic equivalent task (METs) decreased from 1170 to 510; p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was reported on median ISI scores (from 7 to 8; p < 0.001), which were increased in patients who presented a stable or worsening headache. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that the restrictions taken during the pandemic have affected the practice of PA levels and sleep quality in migraine. Hence, PA and sleep quality should be assessed to find strategies for an improvement in quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 771 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Vitamin D and Parkinson’s Disease

by Antonia Pignolo, Sergio Mastrilli, Chiara Davì, Valentina Arnao, Paolo Aridon, Felipe Augusto dos Santos Mendes, Cesare Gagliardo and Marco D’Amelio

Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061220 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 10710

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid, traditionally considered a key regulator of bone metabolism, calcium and phosphorous homeostasis. Its action is made possible through the binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), after which it directly and indirectly modulates the expression of thousands of genes. Vitamin D is important for brain development, mature brain activity and associated with many neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). High frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with Parkinson’s disease compared to control population was noted nearly twenty years ago. This finding is of interest given vitamin D’s neuroprotective effect, exerted by the action of neurotrophic factors, regulation of nerve growth or through protection against cytotoxicity. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be related to disease severity and disease progression, evaluated by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale, but not with age of PD onset and duration of disease. Additionally, fall risk has been associated with lower vitamin D levels in PD. However, while the association between vitamin D and motor-symptoms seems to be possible, results of studies investigating the association with non-motor symptoms are conflicting. In addition, very little evidence exists regarding the possibility to use vitamin D supplementation to reduce clinical manifestations and disability in patients with PD. However, considering the positive balance between potential benefits against its limited risks, vitamin D supplementation for PD patients will probably be considered in the near future, if further confirmed in clinical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

60 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other Lifestyle Factors in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

by Ligia J. Dominguez, Nicola Veronese, Laura Vernuccio, Giuseppina Catanese, Flora Inzerillo, Giuseppe Salemi and Mario Barbagallo

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4080; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114080 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 168 | Viewed by 29125

Abstract

Multiple factors combined are currently recognized as contributors to cognitive decline. The main independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia is advanced age followed by other determinants such as genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, including nutrition and physical activity. In the next decades, a rise in dementia cases is expected due largely to the aging of the world population. There are no hitherto effective pharmaceutical therapies to treat age-associated cognitive impairment and dementia, which underscores the crucial role of prevention. A relationship among diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors with cognitive function has been intensively studied with mounting evidence supporting the role of these determinants in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, which is a chief cause of disability globally. Several dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients have been investigated in this regard, with some encouraging and other disappointing results. This review presents the current evidence for the effects of dietary patterns, dietary components, some supplements, physical activity, sleep patterns, and social engagement on the prevention or delay of the onset of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

21 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Nutritional Lifestyle and Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review

by Salvatore Fanara, Maria Aprile, Salvatore Iacono, Giuseppe Schirò, Alessia Bianchi, Filippo Brighina, Ligia Juliana Dominguez, Paolo Ragonese and Giuseppe Salemi

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3774; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113774 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6876

Abstract

Studies on the role of nutritional factors and physical activity (PA) in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) go back a long time. Despite the intrinsic difficulty of studying their positive or negative role in MS, the interest of researchers on these topics increased during the last few decades, since the role of diet has been investigated with the perspective of the association with disease-modifying drugs (DMD). The association of DMD, diets, and PA might have an additive effect in modifying disease severity. Among the various diets investigated (low-carbohydrate, gluten-free, Mediterranean, low-fat, fasting-mimicking, and Western diets) only low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, and fast-mimicking diets have shown both in animal models and in humans a positive effect on MS course and in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). However, the Mediterranean diet is easier to be maintained compared to fast-mimicking and low-carbohydrate diets, which may lead to detrimental side effects requiring careful clinical monitoring. Conversely, the Western diet, which is characterized by a high intake of highly saturated fats and carbohydrates, may lead to the activation of pro-inflammatory immune pathways and is therefore not recommended. PA showed a positive effect both in animal models as well as on disease course and PROs in humans. Training with combined exercises is considered the more effective approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Supplements and Neuroprotective Diets and Their Potential Clinical Significance in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

by Ewa Zielińska-Nowak, Natalia Cichon, Joanna Saluk-Bijak, Michał Bijak and Elzbieta Miller

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2704; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082704 - 5 Aug 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 9898

Abstract

Nutrition and rehabilitation are crucial in post-stroke recovery, especially in the elderly. Since stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability, there is a need to promote special, individually tailored nutrition strategies targeting older patients with low motor ability. Chronic stroke survivors have higher risk of developing nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as sarcopenia, anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Moreover, reduced motor activity, cognitive impairment and depression might be aggravated by poor malnutrition status. Accumulated data suggest that nutritional supplements and neuroprotective diets can be associated with better effectiveness of post-stroke rehabilitation as well as brain recovery. Therefore, this review focuses on preventive strategies that can improve dietary intake and change dietary patterns. We highlight the importance of neuroprotective diets, the problem of dysphagia and the role of nutrition in rehabilitation. This article focuses on potential nutritional supplements and neuroprotective diets that may have an impact on functional recovery during and after rehabilitation. Moreover, a new approach to post-stroke neuroplasticity including the use of agents from marine sources such as fucoxanthin and tramiprosate as compounds that might be used as potential neuroprotectants with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties is introduced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 386 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metabolic Abnormalities, Dietary Risk Factors and Nutritional Management in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

by Emanuele D’Amico, Giuseppe Grosso, Jeri W. Nieves, Aurora Zanghì, Pam Factor-Litvak and Hiroshi Mitsumoto

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072273 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6229

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, leading to a relentless paralysis of skeletal muscles and eventual respiratory failure. Although a small percentage of patients may have a longer survival time (up to 10 years), in most cases, the median survival time is from 20 to 48 months. The pathogenesis and risk factors for ALS are still unclear: among the various aspects taken into consideration, metabolic abnormalities and nutritional factors have been the focus of recent interests. Although there are no consistent findings regarding prior type-2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and ALS incidence, abnormalities in lipid and glucose metabolism may be linked to disease progression, leading to a relatively longer survival (probably as a result of counteract malnutrition and cachexia in the advanced stages of the disease). Among potential dietary risk factors, a higher risk of ALS has been associated with an increased intake of glutamate, while the consumption of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as vitamin E, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and carotenoids, has been related to lower incidence. Poor nutritional status and weight loss in ALS resulting from poor oral intake, progressive muscle atrophy, and the potential hypermetabolic state have been associated with rapid disease progression. It seems important to routinely perform a nutritional assessment of ALS patients at the earliest referral: weight maintenance (if adequate) or gain (if underweight) is suggested from the scientific literature; evidence of improved diet quality (in terms of nutrients and limits for pro-inflammatory dietary factors) and glucose and lipid control is yet to be confirmed, but it is advised. Further research is warranted to better understand the role of nutrition and the underlying metabolic abnormalities in ALS, and their contribution to the pathogenic mechanisms leading to ALS initiation and progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders)

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Displaying articles 1-8

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Factors in Neurological Disorders

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI