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Abstract

The trajectories of cognitive abilities across the adult lifespan differ from person to person and are most likely open to change dependent on internal and external factors. While common cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and smoking have been linked to accelerated brain aging, lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet and physical exercise might exert protective effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of how obesity, nutrition and metabolic changes impact human brain structure and function are far from understood. Using population neuroimaging, we find that obesity affects brain tissue through systemic low-grade inflammation, and that obesity-related regional changes might translate into worse cognitive performance. Results from randomized clinical trials will be presented to discuss whether these detriemental effets can be counteracted by caloric restriction or targeted diets.