Obesity in older adults is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. New research suggests diet-based interventions may influence cognition differently in adults with obesity through changes in metabolism, inflammation and gut health.

The article co-authored by Assistant Professor Julia Sheffler, Ph.D., also included contributions from FSU College of Medicine medical student Trinity Sims, B.S., and Bridge to Clinical Medicine master’s Viviana Gutierrez Caimary, B.S., reflecting the college’s commitment to expanding meaningful research opportunities for students early in their training. 

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Researchers followed 31 adults aged 55 to 85 in a 10-week randomized dietary education intervention comparing a Mediterranean diet with a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet. Participants included individuals with and without mild cognitive impairment.

Before the intervention, participants with obesity showed lower gut microbial diversity, differences in key bacteria and poorer memory and executive function. Among these individuals, fat loss was associated with improvements in episodic memory and cognitive flexibility. Increased skeletal muscle mass was also linked to cognitive gains in adults age 73 and older. These findings highlight the gut-muscle-brain axis as a promising target for strategies that support healthy aging.