Objective This IRG will support my return to the EU as a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Neuroscience at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, bringing state-of-the-art science and technology, collaborations, and excellent prospects for reintegration and the enhancement of European competitiveness. My research aims to elucidate the metabolic basis of brain aging and develop interventions for preventing dementia and brain vascular disease. We address a timely and fundamental question regarding microvascular mechanisms of cognitive decline. Our central hypothesis is that impairment of brain microvascular plasticity due to age, diet or disease, is a pivotal mechanism of cognitive decline. Building on outstanding prior research, we predict that that folate deficiency and aging will limit brain circulation and oxygen delivery by diminishing microvascular plasticity, thus ultimately impairing cognition. Specific aims are to: 1) Test the hypothesis that impaired brain circulation and oxygen delivery due to aberrant microvascular plasticity impairs cognition in both folate-deficiency and aging; and 2) Identify folate- and age-responsive pathways that regulate brain microvascular plasticity. We will use a conceptually and technically innovative approach to measure cognitive function, brain microvascular plasticity, and brain circulation and oxygen delivery with our proprietary near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system. These studies will help delineate the role of microvascular plasticity in cognitive function; establish a new animal model of vascular cognitive impairment; establish quantitative anatomical and non-invasive functional measures of microvascular health for basic and pre-clinical research; and identify one or more diet-responsive microvascular signaling pathways. These outcomes are significant because they will provide actionable insight into the role of nutritional factors in modifying microvascular plasticity for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologycognitive neurosciencemedical and health sciencesclinical medicineangiologyvascular diseasesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopyabsorption spectroscopymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologydementiamedical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutrition Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG) Coordinator THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Address Edmond j safra campus givat ram 91904 Jerusalem Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Hani Ben Yehuda (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
