How diet affects brain health and aging

Diet and Cognition within a Reserve framework

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10806143

This study is looking at how following a Mediterranean diet might help older adults keep their minds sharp and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and it will involve sharing your eating habits and taking some simple brain tests.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10806143 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between diet, specifically the Mediterranean-type diet, and cognitive health in older adults, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how different factors, such as brain reserve and cognitive reserve, influence cognitive abilities and susceptibility to age-related decline. By examining these connections, the study seeks to identify dietary recommendations that could enhance cognitive resilience and potentially prevent Alzheimer's disease. Participants may be asked to share dietary habits and undergo cognitive assessments to gather data on these relationships.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease or experiencing cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who are not elderly or do not have concerns related to cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary guidelines that help protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet on cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.