Cognitive Health in Aging: The Role of Antioxidants, Choline, and Iron Metabolism

Dear Colleagues,

Declines in perceptual and cognitive performance are natural consequences of aging. As the global population ages, interest has grown in identifying modifiable lifestyle factors that may mitigate age-related perceptual and cognitive decline, with nutrition and supplementation emerging as key areas of interest. This Special Issue will focus on four aspects of diet for which research has suggested promising potential outcomes. Choline is an essential micronutrient that supports both peripheral and central nervous system function through multiple mechanisms. It serves as a precursor for acetylcholine synthesis, contributes to the structural integrity of cell membranes, and modulates inflammatory responses. Emerging evidence further suggests that choline and acetylcholine play critical roles in maintaining cognitive reserve, a key determinant of resilience against age-related perceptual and cognitive decline. As such, adequate choline availability is viewed as an important factor in preserving cognitive health throughout aging. Antioxidants whose intakes have been linked to positive aspects of cognitive aging (including maintenance of perceptual and cognitive function) by way of mechanisms including neuroinflammation include, but are not limited to, carotenoids, such as xanthophylls and carotenes. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme critical to all cellular metabolism and has shown promise in slowing aging in general and slowing the progression of age-related neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Iron is another essential micronutrient and is the most plentiful metal in the body and nervous system. Its accumulation in brain tissue with age has been associated with declines in cognitive function. Collectively, the articles in this Special Issue will provide a contemporary view of how dietary factors shape cognitive health across age.

Prof. Dr. Michael J. Wenger
Dr. Ramon Velazquez
Guest Editors

Dr. Jessica Judd
Guest Editor Assistant

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