The study builds on the team’s extensive research in nutrition, omics, and human health, aiming to uncover the shared biochemical and molecular mechanisms that link metabolic conditions to brain health. Through multi-omics analyses, the project aims to identify the molecular links between metabolic disorders, such as adiposity, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes (T2D), lipid imbalances and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and the risk of dementia. The research will focus on identifying biomarkers and pathways for the early diagnosis of dementia, while also exploring the modulatory role of nutrition and other lifestyle factors.
Specific objectives:
1. To identify single and multi-omics signatures based on metabolite and protein features associated with metabolic disorders and evaluate their links to brain vascular burden, cognitive decline and dementia
2. To investigate how lifestyle and environmental factors (e.g., diet, environmental pollutants, physical activity, sleep habits, smoking) influence the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of metabolites and protein features in these relationships.
3. To investigate the potential causal relationship between identified omics signatures and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while examining the role of genetic factors in modulating these associations.
