Evaluation of the influence of metabolic processes and body composition on cognitive functions: Nutrition and Dementia Project (NutrDem Project).

The global increase in the prevalence of dementia and its associated comorbidities and consequences has stimulated intensive research focused on better understanding of the basic mechanisms and the possibilities to prevent and/or treat cognitive decline or dementia. The etiology of cognitive decline and dementia is very complex and is based upon the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. A growing body of epidemiological evidence has suggested that metabolic syndrome and its components may be important in the development of cognitive decline. Furthermore, an abnormal body mass index in middle age has been considered as a predictor for the development of dementia. The Nutrition and Dementia Project (NutrDem Project) was started at the Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotic Disorders with close cooperation with Department of Medical Psychology. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of dietary patterns, nutritional status, body composition (with evaluation of visceral fat) and basic regulatory mechanisms of metabolism in elderly patients on cognitive functions and the risk of cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia).