About this Research Topic
Cognitive ageing is the decline in cognition that occurs as people age. Age-related impairments in cognitive tasks (i.e. reasoning, memory and processing speed) can arise during adulthood and progress into the elder years. Cognitive decline is the first external sign of dementia, which has a major public health impact. 5 to 8% of the general population aged 60+ are estimated to have dementia and this number is expected to reach 24% by 2050*. There is a need to shift focus towards preventive methods and lifestyle approaches such as nutrition and diet, which represent a promising opportunity.
*World Health Organization
Although certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols and B vitamins have been found to influence mechanisms underlying cognitive ageing, findings from large-scale observational studies suggest a complex interaction between nutrients and their impact on health. This highlights the beneficial role of multi-nutrient interventions and whole diet approaches for improving brain health and cognition. Further investigation is required to improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which nutrition can improve brain health and ageing. Indeed, in spite of the large body of evidence supporting the positive impact of a balanced diet and nutrition on cognition, most molecular mechanisms of action remain to be unraveled.
This Research Topic aims at gathering original research and review articles covering, but not limited to, the following subjects:
- The impact of specific nutrients on cognition and brain functions (e.g. omega 3s, polyphenols, amino acids, botanicals, micronutrients).
- Dietary patterns (e.g. Mediterranean diet and Western diet).
- Mechanisms involved (Experimental evidence unravelling the impact on cognition).
*World Health Organization
Although certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols and B vitamins have been found to influence mechanisms underlying cognitive ageing, findings from large-scale observational studies suggest a complex interaction between nutrients and their impact on health. This highlights the beneficial role of multi-nutrient interventions and whole diet approaches for improving brain health and cognition. Further investigation is required to improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which nutrition can improve brain health and ageing. Indeed, in spite of the large body of evidence supporting the positive impact of a balanced diet and nutrition on cognition, most molecular mechanisms of action remain to be unraveled.
This Research Topic aims at gathering original research and review articles covering, but not limited to, the following subjects:
- The impact of specific nutrients on cognition and brain functions (e.g. omega 3s, polyphenols, amino acids, botanicals, micronutrients).
- Dietary patterns (e.g. Mediterranean diet and Western diet).
- Mechanisms involved (Experimental evidence unravelling the impact on cognition).
Keywords: Cognitive decline, Healthy diet
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
