Labs find unique biomarkers in elderly people with youthful brains
Keeping your brain young and sharp isn't just a wish – it can be a reality! As we age, our brains can show signs of memory loss and cognitive decline. But there's a select group of people, known as 'super-agers,' whose brains seem to age slower than the rest. And researchers have discovered a crucial nutrient profile that keeps their brains young.
A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, uncovered this secret. They studied the brains of 100 cognitively healthy participants, aged 65-75. The team evaluated their cognitive abilities using tests, analyzed nutritional biomarkers in their blood, and performed MRI scans.
The researchers found two types of brain aging among the participants – accelerated and slower-than-expected. Those who exhibited signs of slower brain aging shared a distinct nutrient profile in their blood. This nutritional profile includes a range of fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E, and choline – nutrients associated with the Mediterranean diet!
"[The Mediterranean diet] emphasizes foods rich in these beneficial nutrients," lead study author Aron Barbey, director of the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior at the University of Nebraska, explained.
So, if you're aiming to keep your brain youthful, loading up on veggies, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds found in the Mediterranean diet might be just what you need! If you're looking to fine-tune your diet for specific health goals, there are a few versions of the Mediterranean diet to choose from, such as the Basic, MedDairy, Pesco, and Green Mediterranean diets.
But remember, a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise, cognitive engagement, and reduced exposure to factors that accelerate brain aging is also crucial. Avoiding the three factors that age your brain the fastest is essential: poor sleep, high stress levels, and inadequate hydration.
Embrace the regimen of a super-ager and enjoy the benefits of a sharper, healthier brain!
The groundbreaking study revealed that the nutritional profile associated with the Mediterranean diet, encompassing fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E, and choline, is crucial for maintaining a youthful brain. Additionally, adopting a balanced lifestyle, including exercise, cognitive engagement, and avoiding factors such as poor sleep, high stress levels, and inadequate hydration, is essential for slowing down brain aging and maximizing cognitive health.
