In this Episode

[01:18] Importance on role of food and supplemental nutrients in the heart-brain axis.

[02:00] Introduction to the COSMOS Study (COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study)
—the parent COSMOS trial.

[02:31] A sub-study of COSMOS study—COSMOS-Mind compared the effects of the same nutrients (used in the parent study)—a cocoa flavanol extract supplement, and a standard multivitamin mineral formula and their combined effect on cognitive function.

[02:50] Focus points of the parent COSMOS trial and the sub-study COSMOS-Mind.

[04:07] Differences between the terms: nutrients and nutraceuticals.

[05:28] Explanation of berberine—a plant chemical (phytochemical) that is at times referenced as a nutraceutical.

[06:16] Everyone needs a top-notch multivitamin-mineral supplement as a hedge against nutrient deficiencies and maldigestion issues as they age, and genetic variants that predisposes a person to the inability to adequately metabolize certain nutrients (e.g., MTHFR variant and folate levels).

[06:44] For example, the malabsorption of B12, and the associated implications of vitamin B12 deficiency on cognitive health in older persons.

[07:30] Several studies and a more recent study showed that vitamin C deficiency in aging individuals is linked to the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia.

[08:36] Type 2 diabetes and heart disease (cardiometabolic disease) are core risk factors for vascular dementia and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in aging individuals.

[09:36] In-depth description of COSMOS-Mind sub-study which included 2,262 adults and older adults.

[10:07] Study conclusions on multivitamin supplementation, and not cocoa flavanols, over 3 years resulted in significant slowing of cognitive aging with particular benefits for patients that were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

[12:36] Research studies dating back to the 1990s began to show that a polyphenol-rich diet, and other lifestyle factors, influenced the risk for Alzheimer’s disease in people.

[13:42] Recall of studies over 20-years ago on the role of fruits and vegetables on cognitive function, and the reduction of risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Indeed, polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables, delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

[15:32] Role of polyphenols in neurogenesis—the birth (genesis) and development of new brain cells (neurons).

[16:18] Review of another study finding supporting the point that diet (food metabolome) and exercise play a vital role in stimulating neurogenesis.

[18:40] The takeaway from this podcast, and it is one I’ll repeat often in subsequent shows, is that the science is clear—a healthy diet and lifestyle supports neurogenesis and brain health, and optimizes the goal for living younger and longer.

[19:02] Yes, this episode and coming episodes are for people in their late forties and fifties who are concerned about their brain health as they age— midlifers or older adults who want to learn about the cutting-edge science and research that empowers them with the information that enables the interventions proven to protect their brain from cognitive decline, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

[20:13] Closing remarks and a preview of the next episode—#3— which will mark #1 in the “Think Ahead” podcast series.