Abstract

The impact of dietary fat intake on cognitive function has generated growing interest as the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders continues to increase. No known cures for neurodegenerative disorders exist at this time and available pharmacological treatments are limited in their efficacy. As such, prevention and early detection have been emphasized, particularly in the context of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet. Despite a recognized association between dietary fat intake and cognition, limited research exists delineating the impact of different types of fat on cognitive function. In this review, research examining the association between cognition and specific dietary fatty acids—such as trans fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)—was investigated. Further, the mechanisms by which these fatty acids impact cognition were explored. Findings from the literature identified cardiovascular function, inflammation, oxidative stress, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and insulin resistance as the most explored biological mechanisms to date. As such, each biological mechanism is briefly defined and considered in the context of a neuropsychological profile, followed by a review of the influence of fatty acids on these mechanisms.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Grace J. Lee

Second Advisor

Kelly R. Morton

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Year Degree Awarded

2022

Date (Title Page)

9-2022

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Cognitive decline; Fatty acids--Health aspects

Type

Doctoral Project

Page Count

viii, 50 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Download

Share

COinS