Lecture 11-14: part 2 Flashcards
What are the two most important omega-3-FA for brain?
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
what happens when you have an omega-3 fatty acid decline?
depression, cognitive impairment, ADHD
Why are EPA and DHA important? what do they do?
● DHA: important building block of the brain (cell membranes)
● EPA: anti-inflammatory actions
What does omega 3 do?
- Acts as a reservoir for bioactive molecules
- Modulates gene expression
- Competes with omega-6 for incorporation in membranes
DHA & EPA
Evidence from human studies: observational studies show an overall association
Intervention studies: results are mixed
> Because of…
Interaction with B-vitamins, sample sizes, trial duration, dosage, study population, APOE status.
If baseline levels are good, there is not much room for improvement.
Brain has a large buffer capacity
What is going on with ApoE status and EPA?
EPA levels rose 3x as much in non-e4 carriers vs e4 carriers.
Why is there a difference in EPA levels in non vs e4 carriers?
e4 carriers: they use omega-3-fatty acids as substrate instead of glucose in the brain. Or: lessened uptake across the blood-brain barrier with e4.
(fig on page 62)
Several amino acids have a direct effect on brain function. E.g:
Tryptophan (direct precursor of serotonin, necessary for learning and memory)
Tyrosine (direct precursor of dopamine, importand for working memory)
Glutamine, aspartate, taurine: neuronal function
Q: “Which statements are correct? (2 out of 4)”
A: (1) “Omega-3 FA acids are building blocks of neuronal membranes and can modify gene/protein expression, modulate neuronal membrane protein activity and act as a reservoir for bioactive molecules.”
(2) ApoE4 carriers could be in need of lower omega-3 FA dosages than non-e4 carriers
(3) Fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, red wine, low-fat skinny whit meat and green leafy vegetables are all part of the MIND-diet
(4) The relationship between alcohol intake and cognitive decline/total mortality is presented in a G-shaped curve
1,3
Q: “Which statements are correct? (2 out of 4)”
A: (1) “Omega-3 FA acids are building blocks of neuronal membranes and can modify gene/protein expression, modulate neuronal membrane protein activity and act as a reservoir for bioactive molecules.”
(2) ApoE4 carriers could be in need of lower omega-3 FA dosages than non-e4 carriers
(3) Fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, red wine, low-fat skinny whit meat and green leafy vegetables are all part of the MIND-diet
(4) The relationship between alcohol intake and cognitive decline/total mortality is presented in a G-shaped curve
1,3
Observational proof shows x% lower risk of cognitive disease with MEdDiet
40%
1st intervention study with MedDiet = PREDIMED. What three groups were there?
- MEdDiet+ 1l olive oil/week (devided over 8 people)
- MedDiet + 30 g nuts/day
- Low fat diet
What were the outcomes?
MedDiet + nuts = improved memory
MedDiet + olive oil = frontal & global cognition
DASH diet: stands for?
Dietary approaches to stop hypertension
what types of food does the DASH diet contain?
- low in sodium
- rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium
- similar to MedDiet, only promotes more dairy
What does the mind diet do?
combines DASH and MedDiet principles
what results does MIND give?
Decrease Alzheimer’s disease. (Observational)
More strongly associated with slower cognitive decline than MedDiet & DASH diet (Observational only)
what results does MIND give?
Decrease Alzheimer’s disease. (Observational)
More strongly associated with slower cognitive decline than MedDiet & DASH diet (Observational only)
What do multi-domain interventions do?
Combine all kinds of factors (nutrition, brain, social, heart, activity)
What do multi-domain interventions do?
Combine all kinds of factors (nutrition, brain, social, heart, activity)
What is the FINGER diet and what were the results?
Increased CVD elderly
One group regular health advice
One with lifestyle intervention
Intervention group performed better
- Global cognition
- Executive function
- Processing speed
What are methodological challenges in nutrition studies?
- selection study population
- study duration
- method of nutritional status assessment
- confounding of non-dietary factors
- multidimensionality of diet
- of underlying mechanisms
- of cognitive functioning
A ketogenic drink may improve brain energy and cognition in mild cognitive impairment
true/false
true
Name examples of brain ageing on the structural, molecular and clinical level
- brain shrinking
- protein aggregates
- cognitive ageing
Which nutrients are promising for brain ageing?
B-vitamins, omega-3-FA, flavonoids
Describe the ketogenic diet
Low carb, high fat
Glucose as energy source is replaced
Ketone bodies pass the BBB, increase ketone body uptake and decrease brain energy glucose metabolism
Improvement in certain cognitive domains such as processing speed, language, episodic memory, executive functioning
Possible explanations for mixed findings on omega-3-FA?
-treatment effect depends on baseline nutrient level.
-Brain has a larg buffer capacity.
- cognitive healthy = no improvement
