Understanding how diet influences vascular brain health in Australia

Dr Briar McKenzie, University of New South Wales

2022 Postdoctoral Fellowship

Years funded: 2023-2024

Poor brain health is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. Vascular disease is a major contributor to poor brain health, through conditions of stroke, and vascular dementia, and through common vascular risk factors of hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. The burden of poor vascular brain health will increase given the aging population, creating an imperative for preventive measures. Diet interventions are effective in reducing vascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease outcomes. There is potential for diet interventions to reduce the burden of poor vascular brain health in Australia, an under-researched area. Using data from two large studies, and by synthesizing global literature, I will create an evidence base and will consult stakeholders to inform recommendations to address the diet-related burden of poor vascular brain health. At a population level, implementation of strategies to address this burden have potential to translate into a global improvement in brain health, saving thousands of lives.