Effects of Peanut Consumption on Brain Function

Impaired brain vascular function precedes the development of reduced cognitive performance, while brain insulin-resistance is also associated with cognitive decline. Peanut consumption has already been shown to beneficially affect cognitive performance. However, underlying mechanisms have not yet been established, while well-controlled trials on longer-term effects of peanuts on cognitive performance are highly needed. The hypothesis is that longer-term peanut consumption has beneficial effects on (regional) cerebral blood flow responses (primary outcome), which may relate to an improved cognitive performance (secondary outcome) in older men and women. Important objectives are to investigate in older adults the effect of 16-week peanut consumption on (i) brain vascular function in cognitive-control brain areas, and (ii) brain insulin-sensitivity. We will also focus on changes in cognitive performance as assessed with a neuropsychological test battery (secondary objective). Cerebral blood flow responses before (brain vascular function) and after the administration of intranasal insulin (brain insulin-sensitivity) will be quantified by the non-invasive gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL).