Nutrition and Neurological Health: Understanding the Link Between Diet and Cognitive Decline

Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s are characterized by the progressive functional loss of neurons in the brain resulting in cognitive impairment and other debilitating effects. Scientific evidence indicates that there are multifactorial interactions at play, but that nutrition may be essential in the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases.

What should the RDN and NDTR know and expect when working with this population? How should diets be tailored to aid in prevention or slowing of the progression of these conditions? What are some considerations for practitioners?

In this session, an RDN/researcher on the MIND diet is joined by a physician who has studied extensively neurological conditions including Alzheimer's to discuss the condition and applicable diet strategies.

Planned with the Committee for Lifelong Learning

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 8.2.4 Integrates new knowledge of disease states and clinical conditions into practice.
• 10.3.3 Prioritizes specific nutrition problems to inform nutrition care plans and processes.
• 10.3.4 Selects interventions intended to resolve or improve nutrition diagnoses.

Learning Objectives

• Describe how changes in the brain/neurons can be affected by dietary intake overtime.
• Assess neurological symptoms at various stages of the cognitive decline and the link to insulin resistance.
• Develop evidence-based nutrition care strategy (MIND Diet) to minimize or prevent cognitive and neurological decline.

Moderator

• Claudia Sealey-Potts

Speakers

• Suzanne de la Monte
• Jennifer Ventrelle