ARS | Publication request: Nutrition, brain aging, and neurodegeneration

Submitted to: Journal of Neuroscience
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: September 30, 2009
Publication Date: October 12, 2009
Citation: Joseph, J.A., Cole, G., Head, E., Ingram, D. 2009. Nutrition, brain aging, and neurodegeneration. Journal of Neuroscience. 29:12795-12801.

Technical Abstract: The onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases superimposed on a declining nervous system could enhance the motor and cognitive behavioral deficits that normally occur in senescence. It is likely that, in cases of severe deficits in memory or motor function, hospitalization and/or custodial care would be a likely outcome. This means that unless some way is found to reduce these age-related decrements in neuronal function, health care costs will continue to rise exponentially. Applying molecular biological approaches to slow aging in the human condition may be years away. So it is important to determine what methods can be used today to increase healthy aging, forestall the onset of these diseases, and create conditions favorable to obtaining a “longevity dividend” in both financial and human terms. Recent studies suggest that consumption of diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components such as those found in fruits, nuts, vegetables and spices or even reduced caloric intake may lower age-related cognitive declines and the risk of developing neurodegenerative disease.