Effect of Dietary Patterns on Biomarkers in Alzheimer’S Disease Publisher



Rezaeimanesh N ; Khodadadi S ; Montazeri Shatouri R ; Ariyaei Motahar A ; Hosseini E ; Owji M ; Sahab Negah S ; Naser Moghadasi A
Source: International Review of Neurobiology Published:2026

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. With no curative treatment available, identifying modifiable risk factors particularly diet has become critical. This chapter reviews the relationship between dietary patterns and AD biomarkers, examining underlying mechanisms linking nutrition to disease pathogenesis. The AT(N) framework (amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration) provides core pathological biomarkers, whereas inflammatory markers (cytokines), oxidative stress indicators (lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzymes), and vascular markers provide additional insights. Evidence supports the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean, MIND, and ketogenic diets in reducing AD risk and modulating biomarkers, whereas Western dietary patterns promote neuroinflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Mechanistically, dietary components influence AD through multiple pathways: the gut-brain axis; direct modulation of Aβ production and tau phosphorylation; regulation of neuroinflammation via anti-inflammatory nutrients (polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids); mitigation of oxidative stress; and support for blood-brain barrier integrity. Responses to dietary interventions vary with genetic factors (particularly APOE ε4 status), microbiome composition, metabolic health, and disease stage. Understanding these individualized factors is essential for developing targeted nutritional strategies to prevent and manage AD. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier Inc.