Biomarkers.

Background: Interest and consumption of plant-based diets (PBD) in the 21 century continued to increase, particularly in western societies, with the perception that PBDs are associated with beneficial health outcomes and a reduced environmental footprint. Evidence suggests that PBDs may be protective against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Health effects of PBDs such as reduction of inflammation, shift in gut microbiota composition, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are all believed to attribute to reduced AD risk.

Biomarkers.

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) related cognitive decline occurs at relatively young ages in individuals with Down syndrome (DS, early-mid 50s) and in those with autosomal dominant mutations (ADAD, 40-50s). Both groups show similar patterns of amyloid accumulation. We examined if brain volumes are similarly affected by AD pathology in individuals with DS and ADAD.

Public Health.

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates exercise may delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To our knowledge, no study has investigated the longitudinal impact of exercise on AD-related biomarkers in individuals with Autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) mutations who are destined to develop AD. This study examined longitudinal associations between self-reported exercise levels and AD-related biomarkers in a cohort of ADAD mutation carriers and investigated whether observed associations depended upon disease stage.

Public Health.

Background: Lifestyle modifications incorporating a healthy diet, physical activity, brain training and health monitoring have proven effective in preventing dementia and related cognitive decline (REF). The Australian-Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention to reduce dementia risk (AU-ARROW) is an ongoing 2-yearintervention, which is the Australian contribution to the World-Wide FINGERS network. Here we report on preliminary findings of baseline dietary energy and nutrient intakes of AU-ARROW participants.

Public Health.

Background: Evidence suggests that diet may play a modifiable role in reducing Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is linked to a lower incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. Increasing evidence indicates the potential utility of a cytoskeletal protein found in astrocytes, plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), as a marker specific for AD pathogenesis.