Funded PhD Project - ‘Shielding the Vessels from Stress’: Impact of diet in protecting cerebral and vascular physiology in humans during psychological stress

Background: The impact of diet on mental health and brain performance is a topic of growing focus and concern: diets rich in saturated fats have been associated with a significant risk for cognitive decline later in life, whilst healthier diets, rich in plant polyphenols are linked to reduced risk of dementia. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of stress in our societies is also contributing to poorer brain function: e.g. chronic stress alters functional connectivity and impairs attention and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Importantly, unhealthy/healthy food choices stressful events might either exacerbate or protect vascular and cerebral function from the effects of mental stress.