Grant: Project Grant

Aims We aim to determine the effects of carbohydrate quality on MRI assessed brain imaging and related changes to cognitive function, and to serum risk markers that will indicate potential mechanism. Background Because of major concerns over the health effects of unhealthy highly processed carbohydrate foods as a time when the public are advised and to eat healthy carbohydrate foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables), we plan to assess the association of the type of carbohydrate food consumption with the development of brain damage assessed by MRI indices since no studies have been carried out to assess the effects of differences in carbohydrate on brain damage and mental ability. Methods We will study the 11,701 participants in the PURE MIND and ALLIANCE cohorts (coming from Canada, Poland, China, India). Participants will have comprehensive measures at baseline including diet (FFQ), MRI brain scans, and mental ability testing and blood measurements as part of a metabolomic scan. We aim to collect repeat assessments in 4150 people at six years. With this information, we will have sufficient numbers to detect significant differences between different groups defined by MRI associated changes and, importantly over time, to relate MRI changes with carbohydrate quality. Anticipated results At baseline we believe that the degree of brain damage determined by MRI will relate to the quality of carbohydrate and over the 6-years will relate to the decline in cognitive function which will also relate to the quality of the carbohydrate. We believe blood measures (e.g., raised blood glucose) will provide an indication of mechanism. Implications These data will indicate the brain damage associated with aging. The link with carbohydrate quality will identify an important lifestyle change to slow this brain damage and contribute meaningfully to dietary advice for the public, and clinical practice guidelines, with changes in government subsidies and agricultural practice globally.