Associations of dietary markers with brain volume and connectivity: A systematic review of MRI studies

The high prevalence of unhealthy dietary patterns and related brain disorders, such as dementia, emphasizes the importance research that examines effect factors on health. Identifying markers health, volume connectivity, relate to diet is an important first step towards understanding lifestyle determinants healthy ageing. We conducted a systematic review 52 studies (total n = 21,221 participants aged 26–80 years, 55 % female) assessed with range MRI measurements, which areas, connections, cerebrovascular were associated markers. report associations between regional measures Collectively, lower quality was reduced especially in white grey matter frontal, temporal parietal lobe, cingulate, entorhinal cortex hippocampus. Associations also observed connecting fibre pathways particular default-mode, sensorimotor attention networks. However, there some inconsistencies methods findings. recommend future use more comprehensive consistent measures, representative samples, examine role key subcortical regions previously highlighted relevant animal work.