Experts analyzed data from 100 healthy people aged 65-75 years who filled out a questionnaire, providing information about their physical activity, body size and demographic indicators. Then, blood plasma samples were collected from volunteers who also underwent cognitive tests and MRI after a period of fasting to measure nutrient biomarkers.
Two types of brain aging have been identified: accelerated and slower than expected. Those with slower brain aging had a special nutrient profile: combinations of fatty acids, antioxidants and carotenoids, including cis-lutein, translutein and zeaxanthin; two forms of vitamin E and choline. It is noted that this profile correlates with the Mediterranean diet, which previous studies have linked to healthy brain aging.
According to the authors, the next step is to conduct research in order to isolate certain nutrients that favorably affect cognitive function and brain health.
