Evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness of different recruitment strategies for the FINGER-NL multidomain lifestyle intervention trial via the Dutch Brain Research Registry.

Introduction: Recruitment of participants for intervention studies is challenging. We evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of a participant recruitment campaign through an online registry for the FINGER-NL study, a multi-domain lifestyle intervention trial targeting cognitively healthy individuals aged 60-79 with dementia prevention potential. Additionally, we explored which recruitment strategy successfully reached individuals from underrepresented groups in research.

Public Health.

Background: Recruitment of participants for (lifestyle) intervention studies is challenging, especially when targeting cognitively healthy individuals that need to fulfil specific inclusion criteria. We evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of a participant recruitment campaign from The Dutch Brain Research Registry (DBRR) for the FINGER-NL study, a multi-domain lifestyle intervention trial for older adults. Additionally, we explored which recruitment strategy successfully reached individuals from in research under-represented groups.

Development of the Dutch Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet and its scoring system, alongside the modification of a brief FFQ for assessing dietary adherence.

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a dietary pattern designed to prevent cognitive decline. Dietary adherence is assessed with the MIND diet scoring system, which is currently based on the American diet and serving sizes. It is known that serving sizes and consumed food products differ between countries.

An Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Its Potential Benefit for Individuals with Mental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases-A Narrative Review.

This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and their potential benefits for individuals with mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the etiology and progression of these conditions. The review examines the evidence for the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of dietary components and food groups, focusing on whole foods rather than specific nutrients or supplements.

A multidomain lifestyle intervention to maintain optimal cognitive functioning in Dutch older adults-study design and baseline characteristics of the FINGER-NL randomized controlled trial.

Background: Evidence on the effectiveness of multidomain lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline in older people without dementia is mixed. Embedded in the World-Wide FINGERS initiative, FINGER-NL aims to investigate the effectiveness of a 2-year multidomain lifestyle intervention on cognitive functioning in older Dutch at risk individuals.

Methods: Multi-center, randomized, controlled, multidomain lifestyle intervention trial with a duration of 24 months.

Concurrent nutrient deficiencies are associated with dementia incidence.

Introduction: While observational research suggests a protective role for nutrition in brain aging, intervention studies remain inconclusive. This failing translation from observational to interventional research may result from overlooking nutrient interactions.

Methods: We developed a nutrient status index capturing the number of suboptimal statuses of omega-3 fatty acids, homocysteine, and vitamin D (range 0 to 3).

The association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cognitive ageing.

Background: The EAT-Lancet commission has proposed a dietary pattern that is both sustainable and healthy. However, the impact of this diet on cognition in older adults remains unexplored. Therefore, we examined the association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cognitive ageing.

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet for the Aging Brain: A Systematic Review.

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet seems a promising approach to preserve brain function during aging. Previous systematic reviews have demonstrated benefits of the MIND diet for cognition and dementia, though an update is needed. Additionally, other outcomes relevant to brain aging have not been summarized.

The association between adherence to a plant-based diet and cognitive ageing.

Purpose: While the benefits of adopting a more plant-based diet for sustainability and animal welfare are clear, its long-term health impacts, including the impact on cognitive ageing, are limited studied. Therefore, we investigated the associations between plant-based diet adherence and cognitive ageing.

Methods: Data from a previous intervention study involving community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years were analysed at baseline (n = 658) and after 2-year follow-up (n = 314).

The Association of Vitamin D Status with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Subtypes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Dutch Geriatric Outpatients.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). At the same time, this knowledge is limited specifically for vascular dementia (VaD), while data regarding other subtypes of dementia are even more limited.

Objective: To investigate the association of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) status with dementia subtypes in an outpatient geriatric population.

Dietary supplements for aggressive behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities: A randomised controlled crossover trial.

Background: Aggressive incidents are common in people with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether supplementation of multivitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids (FA) reduces aggressive incidents.

Methods: We conducted a randomised, triple blind, placebo controlled, single crossover intervention trial.

PLIS: A metabolomic response monitor to a lifestyle intervention study in older adults.

The response to lifestyle intervention studies is often heterogeneous, especially in older adults. Subtle responses that may represent a health gain for individuals are not always detected by classical health variables, stressing the need for novel biomarkers that detect intermediate changes in metabolic, inflammatory, and immunity-related health. Here, our aim was to develop and validate a molecular multivariate biomarker maximally sensitive to the individual effect of a lifestyle intervention; the Personalized Lifestyle Intervention Status (PLIS).

DHA status influences effects of B-vitamin supplementation on cognitive ageing: a post-hoc analysis of the B-proof trial.

Purpose: Trials aiming to lower homocysteine by B-vitamin supplementation have reported mixed results on slowing cognitive decline. We investigated if efficacy of B-vitamin supplementation is affected by baseline plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels.

Methods: This post-hoc analysis of the B-proof trial included 191 adults aged 65 years or older with baseline plasma total homocysteine ≥ 12 μmol/L, randomly assigned to 400 µg folic acid and 500 µg vitamin B12 or placebo daily for 2 years.

The Association between Malnutrition and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

In recent years the focus of healthcare and nutritional science in older adults has shifted from mortality towards physical performance and quality of life. The aim of this review was to summarize observational studies on physical performance in malnourished (MN) or at risk of malnutrition (RMN) older adults compared with well-nourished (WN) older adults. Eligible studies had to report on nutritional status and objectively measured physical performance in older adults (≥60 y).

Personalized nutrition for dementia prevention.

The role of nutrition has been investigated for decades under the assumption of one-size-fits-all. Yet there is heterogeneity in metabolic and neurobiological responses to diet. Thus a more personalized approach may better fit biological reality and have increased efficacy to prevent dementia.

Dietary Approaches to Improve Efficacy and Control Side Effects of Levodopa Therapy in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Although levodopa remains the most effective drug for symptomatic management of Parkinson's Disease (PD), treatment during advanced disease stages may raise unpredictable motor fluctuations and other complications. Counteracting these complications with other pharmacological therapies may prompt a vicious circle of side effects, and here, nutritional therapy may have great potential. Knowledge about the role of diet in PD is emerging and multiple studies have investigated nutritional support specifically with respect to levodopa therapy.

Impact of prolonged sitting and physical activity breaks on cognitive performance, perceivable benefits, and cardiometabolic health in overweight/obese adults: The role of meal composition.

Background & Aims: Physical activity (PA) breaks may effectively attenuate the detrimental impact of prolonged sitting on acute cognitive performance, perceivable benefits (e.g. mood), vascular function, and metabolic health.

Positive effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive aging are dependent on ω-3 fatty acid status: a post hoc analysis of the FACIT trial.

Background: Although epidemiological studies suggest a protective role of B vitamins and omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids in cognitive decline, findings from intervention studies are conflicting. Mechanistic studies suggest that the ω-3 (n-3) fatty acid status can modulate the effects of B vitamins on cognitive decline.

Objectives: We investigated the interaction between baseline ω-3 fatty acid statuses and folic acid treatment on cognitive decline in a placebo-controlled trial [FACIT (Folic Acid and Carotid Intima-media Thickness)].

LDL cholesterol and uridine levels in blood are potential nutritional biomarkers for clinical progression in Alzheimer's disease: The NUDAD project.

Introduction: We examined associations between nutritional biomarkers and clinical progression in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-type dementia.

Methods: We included 528 individuals (64 ± 8 years, 46% F, follow-up 2.1 ± 0.

Nutritional Status Is Associated With Clinical Progression in Alzheimer's Disease: The NUDAD Project.

Objective: In cognitively normal adults, nutritional parameters are related to cognitive decline and incidence of dementia. Studies on the role of nutrition in predementia stages subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment, and mild stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia in a clinical setting are lacking. In the absence of a curative treatment, this evidence is important for targeting nutritional factors to potentially prevent or delay further cognitive decline.

Associations between Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Gastro-Intestinal Microbiota, Diet, and Cognitive Functioning in Dutch Healthy Older Adults: The NU-AGE Study.

Dietary modulation of the gastro-intestinal microbiota is a potential target in improving healthy ageing and age-related functional outcomes, including cognitive decline. We explored the association between diet, gastro-intestinal microbiota and cognition in Dutch healthy older adults of the 'New dietary strategies addressing the specific needs of the elderly population for healthy aging in Europe' (NU-AGE) study. The microbiota profile of 452 fecal samples from 226 subjects was determined using a 16S ribosomal RNA gene-targeted microarray.

Fingerfoods: a feasibility study to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption in Dutch patients with dementia in a nursing home.

Background: Eating problems are highly prevalent in older patients with dementia and as a consequence, these patients are at greater risk of becoming malnourished. Fingerfoods, snacks that can be picked with thumb and forefinger, could be used to counteract malnutrition in patients with dementia. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate whether providing fruit and vegetable rich fingerfoods in the form of recognizable and familiar snacks on top of the normal intake was feasible for both patients with dementia and caregivers as a means to increase patients' nutritional status.

Energy intake and expenditure in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: the NUDAD project.

Background: Malnutrition is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is associated with institutionalization and increased mortality. Malnutrition is the result of a negative energy balance, which could be due to reduced dietary intake and/or higher energy expenditure. To study underlying mechanisms for malnutrition, we investigated dietary intake and resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients with AD dementia, MCI, and controls.

Nutritional status and structural brain changes in Alzheimer's disease: The NUDAD project.

Introduction: Weight loss is associated with higher mortality and progression of cognitive decline, but its associations with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) are unknown.

Methods: We included 412 patients from the NUDAD project, comprising 129 with AD dementia, 107 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 176 controls. Associations between nutritional status and MRI measures were analyzed using linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, education, cognitive functioning, and cardiovascular risk factors.