)
We aim to help characterise the impact of omega-3- fatty acids, a plant Mediterranean-style dietary pattern and HRT on cognitive health in menopause and later life, and dementia risk. A particular focus is APOE4 genotype (25% of the UK population) and its impact on neuropathology and response to dietary intervention. Our work uses rodent models, human RCTs and prospective cohort analysis with collaborators.
Through our involvement in Norwich Institute of Health Ageing (NIHA) we employ behaviour change theory and practice to underpin and deliver eating behaviour interventions
)
)
Professor Anne Marie Minihane
View my research profileI am a nutrition biochemist (who picked up genetics along the way) and the Head of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine Group
PGR Opportunities
Please get in touch if you are interested in doing a PhD in the areas of (1) omega-3 fatty acid metabolism and health impact, (2) dietary strategies to promote cognitive health and reduce dementia risk, and (3) menopausal well being
Postgraduate research into reducing inequalities in coastal health
Enhancing the health of coastal populations is a key UK health policy. We present two current PhD projects designed to address this question. These PhDs are co-supervised by Professor Anne-Marie Minihane and Dr Martyn Patel.
Examples of ongoing research
Enhancing cognition through the menopausal transition in at-risk 'APOE4' carriers by fatty acid and hormonal modulation (BBSRC funded, 2023-2026, with the University of Exeter): Series of interventions in transgenic rodent models and a UK Biobank analysis
Apple Tree (ESRC-NIHR funded, 2019-2025): Active Prevention in People at Risk of Dementia through Lifestyle, Behaviour change and Technology to build resilience, 20+ research partners
MediMood: The acute effect of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) on mood, anxiety and cognition in UK adults with mild to moderate anxiety and depression: (BBSRC-MRC-NIHR funded, UK NRP, 2023-2025):
Inclusivity in Menopausal Research (NIHR funded, 2024-2025)
Our Recent Publications
Jennings A, Shannon OM, Gillings R, Lee V, Elsworthy R, Bundy R, Rao G, Hanson S, Hardeman W, Paddick SM, Siervo M, Aldred S, Mathers JC, Hornberger M, Minihane AM. Effectiveness and feasibility of a theory-informed intervention to improve Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity and cognition in older adults at risk of dementia: the MedEx-UK randomised controlled trial. BMC Med. 2024 Dec 23;22(1):600. doi: 10.1186/s12916-024-03815-z.
Vauzour D, Scholey A, White DJ, Cohen NJ, Cassidy A, Gillings R, Irvine MA, Kay CD, Kim M, King R, Legido-Quigley C, Potter JF, Schwarb H, Minihane AM. A combined DHA-rich fish oil and cocoa flavanols intervention does not improve cognition or brain structure in older adults with memory complaints: results from the CANN randomized, controlled parallel-design study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023 Aug;118(2):369-381. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.06.008.
Shannon OM, Ranson JM, Gregory S, Macpherson H, Milte C, Lentjes M, Mulligan A, McEvoy C, Griffiths A, Matu J, Hill TR, Adamson A, Siervo M, Minihane AM, Muniz-Tererra G, Ritchie C, Mathers JC, Llewellyn DJ, Stevenson E. Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic predisposition: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. BMC Med. 2023 Mar 14;21(1):81. doi: 10.1186/s12916-023-02772-3.
Saleh RNM, Hornberger M, Ritchie CW, Minihane AM. Hormone replacement therapy is associated with improved cognition and larger brain volumes in at-risk APOE4 women: results from the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease (EPAD) cohort. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2023 Jan 9;15(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s13195-022-01121-5.
Yassine HN, Samieri C, Livingston G, Glass K, Wagner M, Tangney C, Plassman BL, Ikram MA, Voigt RM, Gu Y, O'Bryant S, Minihane AM, Craft S, Fink HA, Judd S, Andrieu S, Bowman GL, Richard E, Albensi B, Meyers E, Khosravian S, Solis M, Carrillo M, Snyder H, Grodstein F, Scarmeas N, Schneider LS. Nutrition state of science and dementia prevention: recommendations of the Nutrition for Dementia