NUTBRAIN

The NutBrain Study is a population-based study aimed at investigating how modifiable risk factors—particularly diet—may influence gut microbiota composition and brain health in older adults. The study involved more than 800 individuals aged 65 years and older, living in Northern Italy, who underwent cognitive screening as well as the collection of clinical and behavioral data. One third of the participants received an in-depth clinical assessment, including a neurological examination, structural and functional MRI, and the collection of stool and blood samples for microbiome and biomarker analyses. By integrating advanced technologies—such as microbiome profiling and neuroimaging—within a traditional epidemiological framework, NutBrain offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms linking diet, gut health, and cognitive aging.