Mediterranean diet and preserved brain structural connectivity in older subjects

• Published in: Alzheimer's & dementia Vol. 11; no. 9; pp. 1023 - 1031
• Main Authors: Pelletier, Amandine, Barul, Christine, Féart, Catherine, Helmer, Catherine, Bernard, Charlotte, Periot, Olivier, Dilharreguy, Bixente, Dartigues, Jean-François, Allard, Michèle, Barberger-Gateau, Pascale, Catheline, Gwénaëlle, Samieri, Cécilia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-09-2015; Elsevier B.V; Alzheimer's Association / Wiley
• Subjects: Aged; Brain - anatomy & histology; Diet Surveys; Diet, Mediterranean; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Life Sciences; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mediterranean diet; Multivariate Analysis; Neural Pathways - anatomy & histology; Neuroimaging; Neurology; Neuropsychological Tests; Patient Compliance; Prospective Studies; Risk factors in epidemiology; Voxel-based morphometry; Neuroimaging; Risk factors in epidemiology; Prospective studies; Mediterranean diet; Voxel-based morphometry; Diffusion tensor imaging
• ISSN: 1552-5260; 1552-5279
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.06.1888

Abstract Introduction The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been related to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease; yet, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that protection against neurodegeneration would translate into higher gray matter volumes, whereas a specific association with preserved white matter microstructure would suggest alternative mechanisms (e.g., vascular pathways). Methods We included 146 participants from the Bordeaux Three-City study nondemented when they completed a dietary questionnaire and who underwent a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging at an average of 9 years later, including diffusion tensor imaging. Results In multivariate voxel-by-voxel analyses, adherence to the MeDi was significantly associated with preserved white matter microstructure in extensive areas, a gain in structural connectivity that was related to strong cognitive benefits. In contrast, we found no relation with gray matter volumes. Discussion The MeDi appears to benefit brain health through preservation of structural connectivity. Potential mediation by a favorable impact on brain vasculature deserves further research.