Multinutrient approach to slow down brain aging and related neurodegenerative disorders

Old age is the greatest risk factor for most of the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke, all marked by global deficits in cognitive abilities and impaired neuronal function. The pharmacological interventions for age-related neurodegenerative disorders are limited and not yet rewarding, and also associated with significant risk for adverse effects. Multinutrients including micronutrients, macronutrients (protein and amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), and other nutrients such as secondary plant metabolites may prolong the onset of dementia and slow down brain aging. Recent findings suggest that dietary supplementation with caloric restriction mimetics and vegetable or fruit extracts exerts their beneficial effects by decreasing the age-dependent vulnerability toward oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. The present chapter provides an extensive overview on the potential of multinutrients to prevent neurodegenerative events and improve cognitive function during aging.