Lecture 17+18 AI generated

Question 1

Describe the main fuel for the brain and its role in cognitive processes.

Answer 1

Glucose is the main fuel for the brain, playing a crucial role in cognitive processes, especially demanding ones.

Question 2

Define the role of protein in brain function and neurotransmitter production.

Answer 2

Protein is critical for brain function as it consists of amino acids, which serve as precursors to neurotransmitters that transmit information between brain cells.

Question 3

How does neuronal communication occur in the brain?

Answer 3

Neuronal communication in the brain involves dendrites (receivers of information), cell bodies, axons, axon terminals, and synapses where signals are passed between cells.

Question 4

Describe the energy consumption of the brain compared to the body.

Answer 4

Although the brain weighs about 2% of the body weight, it consumes 20% of the body’s energy, with 2/3 used for neuronal impulses and 1/3 for cell maintenance.

Question 5

Do glucose drinks have an impact on memory according to studies?

Answer 5

Studies have shown that glucose drinks can enhance memory, with some effects on attentional functioning, but further research is required.

Question 6

Describe the significance of the frontal and parietal lobes in cognitive processing.

Answer 6

The frontal and parietal lobes are crucial for cognitive processing in the brain, where functions like decision-making, problem-solving, and sensory integration occur.

Question 7

Describe the role of tryptophan in the brain.

Answer 7

Tryptophan is a direct precursor of serotonin, essential for learning and memory processes.

Question 8

What is the function of BDNF in the brain?

Answer 8

BDNF, or Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, supports the survival of existing neurons, promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses.

Question 9

Define neurogenesis and specify where it occurs in the adult brain.

Answer 9

Neurogenesis is the process of producing neurons from neural stem cells. In adults, it primarily occurs in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles.

Question 10

How does synaptogenesis contribute to brain development?

Answer 10

Synaptogenesis involves the formation of synapses between neurons throughout life, with a peak during early brain development to facilitate learning and efficient communication.

Question 11

Describe the significance of the first 1000 days for brain development.

Answer 11

The first 1000 days of life are crucial for brain development, as this period sees rapid growth, synapse formation, and maturation, impacting cognitive functions in the long term.

Question 12

Explain the impact of stunted growth on cognitive functions.

Answer 12

Stunted growth, characterized by low height, has been shown to severely affect cognitive functions, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and growth during early years.

Question 13

What is the primary function of fat in the brain?

Answer 13

Fat in the brain, constituting about 60% of its composition, is crucial for the architecture of neuronal cell membranes, not for storage or energy production.

Question 14

Describe the critical stages in life for neural and brain development.

Answer 14

Critical stages include pregnancy, postpartum period, the first 2 years of life, teenage years, and early adulthood, all of which significantly impact neural and brain development.

Question 15

How does the brain change with age?

Answer 15

The brain undergoes shrinkage as it ages after reaching full maturity, with different parts maturing at different times and nutrition remaining important even into early adulthood.

Question 16

Describe the cellular changes in the brain associated with ageing.

Answer 16

Neuronal and mitochondrial membranes decrease, neurotransmitter synthesis and signaling decrease, synaptic density and plasticity decrease, length of myelinated axons decreases, making the brain less efficient.

Question 17

Define cognitive decline and explain how it differs among individuals.

Answer 17

Cognitive decline refers to the deterioration of cognitive functions. It varies among people, with normal cognitive functioning declining slightly, with cognitive impairment declining significantly, and individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease experiencing a high decline in cognitive function.

Question 18

How does Alzheimer’s disease typically manifest in the brain?

Answer 18

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles around axons or inside cells. These clusters of proteins disrupt cell function and often begin with memory complaints.

Question 19

What are some biological risk factors for cognitive decline?

Answer 19

Biological risk factors include oxidative stress, inflammation affecting neurogenesis and destroys neurons, hormonal imbalance, cerebrovascular health, diabetes and insulin resistance, and obesity.

Question 20

Describe the different types of dementia mentioned in the content.

Answer 20

The types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and others. They all involve the deterioration of brain cells.

Question 21

What are some methods used to measure cognitive function?

Answer 21

Methods include neuropsychological test batteries, paper and pencil tests, computer tasks, MRI/fMRI, PET scans, EEG, and ASL. These tools help assess different cognitive domains.

Question 22

Explain the impact of nutrition on cognitive function.

Answer 22

Nutrition can be a risk factor for cognitive decline. Micronutrient deficiencies like vitamin B1, B12, and niacin can contribute, while toxic effects from excessive alcohol or contaminated food can also affect cognitive health.

Question 23

Describe the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test.

Answer 23

It is a screening test for cognitive function in adults, commonly used in observational studies despite the risk of a ceiling effect. It provides a quick assessment of global cognitive abilities.

Question 24

What is the purpose of a word learning test in cognitive assessments?

Answer 24

To evaluate memory function by asking participants to recall a list of words multiple times, including a delayed recall after 20 minutes.

Question 25

Define the Trail Making Test (TMT) in cognitive assessments.

Answer 25

It measures processing speed and executive function by requiring individuals to connect numbers in a descending order.

Question 26

How can nutrient intake or status be measured in research studies?

Answer 26

Through methods like Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ), 24-hour recalls, food diaries, observations, or biomarkers analysis in blood or urine samples.

Question 27

Describe the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids for child growth and development.

Answer 27

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and AA, are crucial for central nervous system development and the synthesis of essential phospholipids, aiding in child growth and cognitive function.

Question 28

What are some dietary sources of Arachidonic Acid (AA) and Docosapentaenoic Acids (DHA)?

Answer 28

AA can be found in sunflower, corn, soybean, and safflower oil, while DHA is present in flaxseed, canola, and soybean oil.

Question 29

Describe the role of DHA in brain function during pregnancy and lactation.

Answer 29

DHA contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants till the age of 18, based on human and animal studies.

Question 30

What are the sources of iron and its impact on cognitive performance in children?

Answer 30

Sources of iron include meat, fish, grain, potatoes, legumes, beans, and vegetables. Iron supplementation shows benefits in cognitive performance in school-aged children.

Question 31

How does iodine deficiency affect IQ and development?

Answer 31

Chronic iodine deficiency leads to lower IQ and general loss of IQ points, impacting physical and mental development based on human studies.

Question 32

Define the role of zinc in cognitive development.

Answer 32

Zinc is essential for neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and synaptogenesis, acting as a co-enzyme required for these processes.

Question 33

Describe the importance of B-vitamins in brain function and development.

Answer 33

B-vitamins like pyridoxine (B6), folate, and cobalamin (B12) are essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, brain energy metabolism, and myelination.

Question 34

What is the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency on cognitive performance in children?

Answer 34

Children with a vitamin B12 deficiency show impaired cognitive performance compared to control subjects, with long-term implications observed in macrobiotic children.

Question 35

Describe the impact of multi-nutrient supplementation on short-term memory in children and adolescents.

Answer 35

Improved short-term memory after 6 months, but not after 12 months. Better performance on tests of nonverbal intelligence and behavioral measures.

Question 36

Define the role of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation.

Answer 36

Convincing. Probable, but not conclusive in children.

Question 37

How does glucose metabolism in children’s brains change with age, particularly in relation to breakfast?

Answer 37

Increases from birth until 4 years, remains elevated until 9-10 years, decreases to adult level by late adolescence. Breakfast is important, especially after overnight fast.

Question 38

Do omega-3 supplementations have an effect on cognitive test scores in adolescence?

Answer 38

No effect due to low adherence and high drop-out rates.

Question 39

Describe the impact of iron biofortified beans on cognitive performance.

Answer 39

Improved performance, especially in efficiency of search and speed of retrieval in memory tasks.

Question 40

Define the key ingredients of energy drinks and their effects on cognitive performance.

Answer 40

Caffeine, glucose, taurine, and glucuronolactone. Claimed to improve physical endurance, reaction time, and alertness. Beneficial effects on cognitive performance mainly due to caffeine, but adverse effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep disturbances.