Nutrition, Neurocognition, and the Microbiome: Connecting the Dots
Description
We know the vital link between food, the gastrointestinal tract and physical health, but there is exciting new evidence to suggest food and the gut microbiome work together to affect cognition and mental health. Can nutrition interventions that modulate the microbiome prevent cognitive decline or other impairment-related conditions? This session will examine the emerging research in this area, with a focus on potentially impactful clinical care and dietary recommendations. The session will begin with a world-renowned research psychologist who focuses on gut-brain axis research to provide an overview of the current state of the science. A well-known RDN-scientist will then bring the science to the clinic. The session will end with a Q & A to discuss your burning questions.
Planned with the Academy’s Committee for Lifelong Learning
*This session will not be recorded.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the common ways the nutritional status/diet/metabolism, the microbiome and brain health are hypothesized to work together.
- Analyze the level of evidence tying nutritional status/diet/metabolism, the microbiome and prevention/treatment of cognitive decline and disease.
- Determine when it is appropriate to include dietary recommendations that target the microbiome in order to prevent/treat cognitive decline and disease in clinical practice.
Performance Indicators:
- 4.2.5 Analyzes and synthesizes information and identifies new information, patterns and findings.
- 8.1.1 Interprets and applies evidence-based literature and standards for determining nutritional needs of target audiences.
- 8.1.4 Integrates knowledge of macro- and micronutrients for digestion, absorption and metabolism throughout the lifespan in practice.
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Ashley Vargas, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND
Team Lead and Program Officer
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development