Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered that certain nutrients in the diet may help reduce excess iron buildup in the brain, a factor linked to cognitive decline as people age.
Their study, published in Neurobiology of Aging, sheds light on how diet and lifestyle choices can influence brain health and potentially lower the risk of age-related memory and thinking problems.
Excessive iron accumulation in the brain, particularly a type called non-heme iron, has been associated with oxidative stress, which can damage neurons and impair cognitive function. While non-heme iron is vital for brain health, its excess can contribute to poor memory and thinking skills even in normal aging.
“Understanding how diet impacts the brain as we age is critical,” said Dr. Brian Gold, a neuroscience professor and lead researcher of the study. “Our findings show how healthier dietary choices could help address some of the risks associated with cognitive decline.”
The study builds on earlier research by the team, which found that a higher intake of nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, iron-chelating compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids was linked to lower brain iron levels and better memory performance.
These nutrients may help counteract the harmful effects of excess brain iron.
Tracking Iron Levels and Diet Over Time
In their follow-up study, the researchers reassessed a group of older adults over a three-year period. Using an advanced MRI technique called quantitative susceptibility mapping, they measured brain iron levels and examined how these changed over time.
They also gathered dietary information and tested participants’ cognitive abilities, focusing on episodic memory (memories of events) and executive function (skills like problem-solving and decision-making).
The findings revealed that iron levels increased in several regions of the brain during the three years. This accumulation was associated with declines in episodic memory and executive function.
However, participants who had a higher baseline intake of the beneficial nutrients experienced significantly less iron buildup.
Promising Implications for Brain Health
The study highlights the potential of diet to slow the buildup of harmful brain iron and protect cognitive function as people age.
Nutrient-rich diets like the Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, which emphasize antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins, may offer protective effects against iron-related cognitive decline.
“These results provide important insights for future clinical trials aimed at testing how specific diets can influence brain health and cognitive function,” said Dr. Valentinos Zachariou, the study’s first author.
While the research points to promising connections between diet and brain health, further studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of these nutrients and their ability to prevent cognitive decline.
The findings suggest that making thoughtful dietary choices now could play a significant role in preserving memory and thinking skills later in life.
If you care about brain health ,please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and cranberries could help boost memory.
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The research findings can be found in Neurobiology of Aging.
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