title: Mediterranean diet and preserved brain structural connectivity in older subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been related to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease; yet, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that protection against neurodegeneration would translate into higher gray matter volumes, whereas a specific association with preserved white matter microstructure would suggest alternative mechanisms (e.g., vascular pathways).
  
  
  METHODS
  We included 146 participants from the Bordeaux Three-City study nondemented when they completed a dietary questionnaire and who underwent a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging at an average of 9 years later, including diffusion tensor imaging.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In multivariate voxel-by-voxel analyses, adherence to the MeDi was significantly associated with preserved white matter microstructure in extensive areas, a gain in structural connectivity that was related to strong cognitive benefits. In contrast, we found no relation with gray matter volumes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MeDi appears to benefit brain health through preservation of structural connectivity. Potential mediation by a favorable impact on brain vasculature deserves further research.
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Amandine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pelletier
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barul
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Féart
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Helmer
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Periot
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Bixente
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dilharreguy
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Dartigues
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; EPHE, Laboratoire Neurobiologie Intégrative et Adaptative, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Michèle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Allard
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Pascale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barberger-Gateau
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; EPHE, Laboratoire Neurobiologie Intégrative et Adaptative, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Gwénaëlle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Catheline
authors.affiliation: Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897, F-33076 Bordeaux, France. Electronic address: Cecilia.Samieri@isped.u-bordeaux2.fr.
authors.forename: Cécilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Samieri
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Diffusion tensor imaging; Mediterranean diet; Neuroimaging; Prospective studies; Risk factors in epidemiology; Voxel-based morphometry