Diets and leisure activities are associated with curiosity.

Social connections are essential for human health. While curiosity and empathy are crucial psychological factors for a fulfilling life connected with others, it is unclear if acquired environmental factors influence them. In this cross-sectional observational study, 1,311 men and women aged 20-79 years living in Japan were observed to explore how lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and leisure activities (such as exercise and hobbies) impact curiosity and empathy.

Lutein and zeaxanthin reduce neuronal cell damage caused by lipid peroxidation.

Oxidative stress and lipid peroxide levels in the brain increase with aging. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have potent antioxidant properties and the ability to improve cognitive function. However, their effects on neuronal damage lipid peroxidation remain unknown.

Effects of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Combination with Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Episodic Memory in Healthy Older Adults.

Arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), as well as lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), can potentially improve brain function. However, the effect of a combination of these components (LCPUFAs + LZ) on memory function in healthy older individuals remains unclear. This study aimed to determine if LCPUFAs + LZ-supplemented food could improve memory function.

Effects of combining exercise with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on cognitive function in the elderly: a randomised controlled trial.

Multifactorial lifestyle intervention is known to be more effective for ameliorating cognitive decline than single factor intervention; however, the effects of combining exercise with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) on the elderlies' cognitive function remain unclear. We conducted a randomised, single-masked placebo-controlled trial in non-demented elderly Japanese individuals. Participants were randomly allocated to the exercise with LCPUFA, placebo, or no exercise with placebo (control) groups.

Changes in behavior and fatty acid composition induced by long-term reduction in murine Δ6-desaturation activity.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play an important role in biological regulation. In our previous study using mice deficient in Δ6 desaturase (D6D), we reported that ARA is required for body growth, while DHA is necessary for functional development. In mammals, ARA and DHA are supplied directly or by synthesis from linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA).

Aging and FADS1 polymorphisms decrease the biosynthetic capacity of long-chain PUFAs: A human trial using [U-C]linoleic acid.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are important constituents of biomembranes. Observation of blood fatty acids indicated that LCPUFA biosynthesis is affected by aging and FADS polymorphisms. This study examined the effects of aging and FADS polymorphisms on LCPUFA biosynthetic capacity via direct quantification using [U-C]linoleic acid.

Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves Mood in Elderly Japanese Men.

Although several studies have reported the effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation on the mood in healthy adults, the effects of LCPUFA on elderly individuals remain unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that LCPUFA supplementation improves mood in the elderly. To address this hypothesis, 115 elderly Japanese men aged 55-64 years were assigned and randomly allocated to the LCPUFA or placebo group.

Low Doses of Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Affect Cognitive Function in Elderly Japanese Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Several studies have reported that the supplementation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA) improve cognitive function in the elderly. However, the doses used in these studies were higher than general dietary LCPUFA intake levels. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of low doses of LCPUFA supplementation corresponding to general dietary intake on cognitive function in non-demented elderly Japanese participants.