#438: Diet, Brain Health & Cognitive Function

#438: Diet, Brain Health & Cognitive Function

Author: Danny Lennon May 17, 2022 Duration: 1:54:17

Some cognitive decline is normal with age. However, more significant cognitive decline is primarily due to disease-induced dementias (such as Alzheimer's Disease). It also results from neurodegenerative disorders and chronic, prolonged degeneration of our neuronal pathways and functions.

Drug discovery for dementias have been largely unsuccessful, leaving no good treatments for this collection of diseases. This had led to research examining areas that may aid in preventing (or more accurately, slowing) cognitive decline.

In this episode the Sigma team look at the published data on a variety of nutrients, foods and dietary patterns, including: vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, caffeine, flavanoids, coffee and green leafy vegetables.

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  • [00:02:01] Definitions
  • [00:08:40] What causes cognitive decline? Dementia? Mechanisms of ND pathogenesis.
  • [00:11:33] Why might nutrition play a role?
  • [00:18:18] Dietary patterns
  • [00:26:30] Diet interaction with APOE genotype
  • [00:31:18] Alcohol
  • [00:36:36] Polyphenols - mechanisms
  • [00:43:05] Coffee & Caffeine
  • [00:45:03] Flavanoids
  • [00:51:04] Vitamin D
  • [01:04:22] Omega 3 fatty acids
  • [01:21:42] B vitamins & green leafy veg
  • [01:30:35] Vitamin E
  • [01:38:24] How to assess cognitive health in ageing intervention studies
  • [01:45:28] Concluding thoughts

 

Show notes to this episode

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Sigma Nutrition Radio, hosted by nutrition scientist Danny Lennon, moves beyond the noise of diet trends and simplistic advice to explore the complex, fascinating world of human nutrition. This is a space for deep, evidence-based conversations that acknowledge the nuance and often contradictory nature of scientific research. Each episode delves into a specific topic within health, fitness, or dietetics, breaking down the underlying physiology, examining the latest studies, and discussing practical implications with expert guests. The goal isn't to hand out rigid meal plans but to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nutritional science. You'll hear detailed analyses of how research is conducted, thoughtful debates on contentious issues, and explorations of how evidence translates-or doesn't-into real-world recommendations for different individuals. Tuning into this podcast means committing to a more sophisticated understanding of how food, movement, and metabolism interact, leaving you better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and skepticism towards the next big headline. Danny’s approach is both rigorous and accessible, making even the most detailed biochemical pathways relevant to everyday life. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real story behind a nutrition claim and values substance over soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 620

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