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Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging: a proof of principle study
Author(s) -
Bowman Gene L.,
Quinn Joseph F.,
Shan Jackilen,
Dodge Hiroko,
Frei Balz,
Kaye Jeffrey,
Howieson Diane
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.lb277
Subject(s) - dementia , biomarker , cognition , nutrient , neuroimaging , disease , cognitive decline , medicine , clinical dementia rating , psychology , gerontology , clinical psychology , neuroscience , biology , ecology , biochemistry
Clinical trials of single or few nutrients to slow the progression or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease have been unsuccessful. One explanation may be related to more minimal effects that nutrients have in isolation. However, rigorous methods to define the ideal set of nutrients to inform this view have remained elusive. We applied a data driven method to generate distinct nutrient patterns derived from biological markers of diet and tested their relationship with cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes. Thirty plasma nutrients were measured in 104 elders at risk for dementia. These nutrient biomarkers were selected on the basis of existing knowledge of association with neurodegeneration. Principle component analysis generated distinct nutrient biomarker patterns. Regression analysis tested cross sectional and longitudinal relationship with cognitive and MRI measures of brain aging. Mean age was 87 (SD±10) and 62% were women. Eight nutrient biomarker patterns met out inclusion criteria (eigenvalue > 1.0). Three NBPs (NBP1, NBP5, NBP8) were associated with cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in cross sectional analysis. Two NBPs, one favorable (NBP1) and another unfavorable (NBP8) explained significant variance in rates of change in Clinical Dementia Rating – sum of box score over a mean of 1.8 years. Three distinct nutrient biomarker patterns were internally consistent. These may represent a successful formula of nutrition more capable of promoting cognitive health in people at high risk for Alzheimer's disease.