Diet & Aging Brain, Sensory Systems

A healthy brain and sensory systems are essential to overall healthspan. As the single greatest risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, aging impacts the structural integrity and functions of the brain and sensory systems, requiring a need to identify interventions to support the proper maintenance of brain and sensory functions. Nutritional interventions are emerging that can ameliorate age-related impairments through changes in the microbiome, inflammation, neurogenesis, and neuronal connectivity. The overall goal of this HNRCA research is to identify dietary patterns and interventions that provide long-term benefits for the aging brain and sensory systems, and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.

Researchers will use information available from population-based longitudinal and prospective studies to evaluate associations of diet with nervous system and sensory functions. The effects of diet and aging on mechanisms relevant for brain and sensory functions in response to diet and aging will be evaluated across multiple model systems, including rodent models studied across the lifespan. Findings from observational human studies will inform dietary interventions for in vitro and animal studies.  This will create a framework for testing nutrient effects, and data from in vitro, animal models, and population-based studies will be translated into clinical trials.