Comparing Mediterranean and Western Diets: Cognitive and Microbiota Effects in Middle-Aged Rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As the global population continues to age, cognitive decline has emerged as a major area of concern. Modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet, have been associated with the trajectory of brain aging. Dietary patterns such as the Western diet (WD) have been linked to cognitive decline, whereas a Mediterranean diet (MeDi) promotes healthy brain aging.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the effects of MeDi and WD on gut microbiota and cognitive health in middle-aged rats. Our hypothesis was that the MeDi, when introduced to middle-aged rats, would maintain cognitive health and produce a distinct gut microbiota composition relative to a WD.

Methods

Twelve-month-old male Fischer344 rats were randomly assigned to MeDi, WD, or chow (n = 10/group). Aft

SUBMITTER: Solch-Ottaiano RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12505662 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature