(P22-012-25) fMRI Memory Task Brain Activation, Cognition, and Inflammatory & Oxidative Markers Following Peanut Intake in Older Adults

Objectives: Habitual tree nut and peanut consumption may improve cognition by decreasing neuroinflammation. We aimed to explore the effect of a 12-week peanut enriched diet on task-related brain activation, cognition, and inflammatory/oxidation markers in older people with cardiovascular risk factors and memory complaints.

Methods: In a controlled parallel design study, 28 older adults were randomized into two groups: the peanut group (PG) consuming 42-56 g/day of peanut and peanut butter, and the control group (CG), who abstained from peanut consumption. The following data were collected at baseline and at the end of the study: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate task-related (working memory n-back task) brain activation patterns; performance on neurocognitive tests assessing memory, processing speed, verbal fluency and executive functions; and serum inflammatory and oxidative markers hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, e-Selectin, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, 8-OHdG, and 8-iso-PGF2α.

Results: Statistical analysis using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline age and BMI values revealed no significant differences in PG compare to CG in fMRI task-related brain activation, or cognitive performance (global or domain-specific) after 12 weeks of intervention. Similarly, no significant changes in inflammatory markers with peanut consumption were observed. However, the peanut group showed a trend toward improved scores over time in the verbal fluency domain (p=o.051) and global cognition (p=0.051). The control group showed significant improvements in processing speed (p=0.006) and global cognition (p=0.016) over time. An improvement for the oxidative marker 8-OHdG was observed in the control group compared to the peanut group (p=0.04), but fir all other markers showed no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions: Despite the lack of significant findings in brain activation. cognition, or inflammatory markers with peanut intake, based on prior evidence that supports  peanut for reducing cardiometabolic risk, peanuts can be recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet. Future research with a larger sample size and longer duration is warranted to fully explore the cognitive benefits of consuming peanuts.

Funding Sources: The Peanut Institute