The Diet-Obesity-Brain Axis: Metabolic, Epigenetic, And DNA-Repair Pathways Linking Eating Patterns To Cognitive Aging, With An AI-Enabled Translational Perspective
Our eating habits have a profound impact on our brain’s health, especially as we age. Research shows that diets rich in ultra-processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars can lead to weight gain, a condition where our bodies struggle to use insulin effectively (insulin resistance), and ongoing low-level inflammation. These issues don’t just affect our waistlines; they also harm our brains.
Inside the brain, these unhealthy eating patterns can cause a type of cellular damage called oxidative stress, reduce the ability of our cells to repair their DNA, and disrupt important cellular processes involved in energy production and aging. They can also alter “epigenetic marks,” which are like switches that turn genes on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
Furthermore, an unhealthy diet can throw off the balance of bacteria in our gut, leading to a condition called gut dysbiosis. This imbalance can cause inflammation that spreads throughout the body, potentially weakening the protective barrier around our brain and affecting the brain’s immune cells.
Conversely, diets like the Mediterranean and MIND diets, which are rich in plant-based foods, fiber, and healthy fats, have been shown to protect brain health, slow down cognitive decline, and reduce the risk of conditions like dementia. Certain nutrients, such as specific omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, can also play a supportive role.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting possibilities. By analyzing vast amounts of data—including what we eat, our body fat levels, metabolic markers, detailed biological information (multi-omics), brain scans (neuroimaging), and even data from our personal digital devices (digital phenotyping)—AI can help identify individuals at high risk for cognitive decline. This technology can also help us understand the precise connections between diet, obesity, and brain health, ultimately leading to personalized strategies for healthier eating and lifestyle choices to protect our cognitive function throughout life.
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