Dietary Strategies for Brain Health and Chronic Disease–Related Cognitive Decline Across the Aging Spectrum

As global populations age—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment is rising at an unprecedented rate. Despite the substantial social and economic burden, curative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases remain limited. Nutrition has emerged as a key, modifiable determinant of cognitive health, offering one of the most promising avenues for risk reduction and prevention across the lifespan.Alongside age-related changes, several well-established risk factors—including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, systemic inflammation, depression, and physical inactivity—significantly accelerate cognitive decline. Among these, diabetes and metabolic dysfunction are now recognized as major contributors to cognitive impairment and mental health disorders, acting through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, vascular injury, glycemic dysregulation, and oxidative stress.Recent randomized controlled trials and observational studies highlight the neuroprotective potential of nutrients (e.g., vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, creatine) and dietary patterns such as the MIND and ketogenic diets. Mechanistic work reveals that these nutritional influences can modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, cerebrovascular integrity, and neurometabolic processes. However, inconsistencies in findings, an overrepresentation of high-income populations, and limited attention to context-specific risk factors underscore the need for more diverse and translational research.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding at the intersection of nutrition, diabetes and metabolic risk, cognitive resilience, and healthy brain aging. The objectives are to synthesize emerging evidence, elucidate mechanistic pathways, identify nutritional biomarkers, and highlight intervention strategies that support cognitive health. We particularly encourage research that addresses population heterogeneity, cultural and environmental contexts, and equitable implementation in resource-limited settings.We welcome submissions including original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, brief reports, perspectives, and commentaries on topics such as:- Mechanistic pathways linking nutrition to brain aging and neurodegeneration- Nutrition-related chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension) and their intersection with dementia risk- Gut–brain axis, microbiome composition, and dietary influences on cognitive health- Nutritional epidemiology and life course determinants of cognitive aging- Dietary patterns, food systems, and culturally grounded nutrition for healthy brain aging- Psychosocial, behavioral, and social determinants linking nutrition and cognitive resilience- Sarcopenia, frailty, and nutrition–muscle–brain interactions- Biomarkers, precision nutrition, and personalized intervention strategies- Neuroimaging and neurometabolic correlates of nutrition in aging- Immune–nutrition–brain interactions and neuroinflammation across the aging spectrum Topic editors: Raedeh Basiri, Fayrouz Sakr-Ashour Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76352/dietary-strategies-for-brain-health-and-chronic-disease-related-cognitive-decline-across-the-aging-spectrum