Ageing Review has published a paper as a result of the first International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) workshop on nutrition for the ageing brain. ILSI’s taskforce ‘Nutrition and Mental Performance’ organized the workshop to focus on mechanisms of ageing and neuroprotection via nutrients, as well as the implementation of findings from existing research. Top European experts from industry and universities participated in the workshop. In the joint paper, they stress the importance of investigating a combination of nutrients in cognitive ageing, rather than looking at the outcome of a single nutrient such as vitamin B or omega-3 fatty acids. The effects of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle need continuous study over longer periods of time. The outcome of the workshop raises awareness about the role of nutrition in cognitive ageing and therefore, has implications for future European academic research.
John Sijben, R&D Director Adult Therapeutic Areas & Clinical Trials at Danone Research & Innovation and participant in the workshop: “One example that is often used to illustrate the value of nutrition for health is the long-term intake of a Mediterranean diet, including fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, that improves cognition in the elderly. It proves once again we shouldn’t look for a single the magic bullet, but continue investing in research to find the right combination of nutrients and interventions. One study is not sufficient; today there is wealth of data in this direction. The workshop was fruitful, as we now agree on the right way forward.”
Ageing is a highly complex process. Growing preclinical and clinical research in healthy individuals or at the early stage of cognitive decline has demonstrated the beneficial impact of nutrition on cognitive function. The ILSI paper concludes that more research is warranted to the underlying mechanisms of ageing. Additionally there is an increasing desire to address the use of nutritional interventions in order to prevent the detrimental effects of brain ageing. A major objective of future research is to define the nutritional requirement for healthy cognitive ageing.
About ILSI
ILSI is a global, nonprofit scientific organization where scientists from industry, government, and academia and other civil society organizations collaborate to generate scientific information and encourage scientific dialogue. ILSI’s mission is to provide science that improves human health and well-being and safeguards the environment.
The workshop took place in 2014. A follow up was held in 2016 out of which another paper is expected. Please click here to read more about ILSI.