The Shifting Mind: Six Decades of Cognitive Evolution as Eastern Societies Adopt Western Lifestyles
Author : Lee Z
Abstract :Modernisation has created a profound "evolutionary mismatch" between biologically ingrained neural adaptations and contemporary lifestyles, driving a global brain health crisis. This PRISMA-guided meta-analysis[1], synthesising studies across six decades, reveals that ultra-processed diets (>60% daily calories) accelerate cognitive decline by 26% (HR=1.26)[2], while sedentary lifestyles elevate vascular dementia risk by 40% (OR=1.4)[3]. Mechanistically, trans fats and fructose suppress hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by 18% (p<0.01)[4,5], impairing neurogenesis. Adolescents face compounding risks: >6 hours/day of screen time correlates with a 34% increase in depression (RR=1.34)[7] and metabolic dysfunction, creating a cyclical decline. However, integrative interventions demonstrate resilience: Mediterranean-DASH diets paired with aerobic exercise stimulate 2% annual hippocampal growth[9], and urban green spaces lower stress biomarkers (cortisol ↓12%)[10]. Policy opportunities include sugar taxes to curb processed food consumption[11] and walkable city designs that align with ancestral movement patterns[12]. Yet, challenges persist: direct parallels to animal models remain limited by human cultural complexity[13], and socioeconomic disparities restrict access to interventions. For instance, marginalized communities face 3 times higher exposure to food deserts[14], exacerbating neuroinflammatory risks. Future efforts must prioritize equitable strategies—embedding ancestral dietary practices into public health frameworks and leveraging CRISPR-based tools to study epigenetic adaptations[15]. Success hinges on bridging evolutionary medicine[16] with urban policy, ensuring brain-healthy environments transcend privilege. 1. Page MJ, et al. BMJ. 2021;372:n71. 2. Srour B, et al. Neurology. 2022;99(10):e1056–66. 3. Erickson KI, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108(7):3017–22. 4. Molteni R, et al. Neuroscience. 2002;112(4):803–14. 5. Gómez-Pinilla F. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(7):568–78. 6. Kelly JR, et al. Mol Psychiatry. 2015;20(6):796–809. 7. Twenge JM, et al. Prev Med Rep. 2018;11:32–7. 8. Trut LN. Am Sci. 1999;87(2):160–9. 9. Bratman GN, et al. Sci Adv. 2019;5(7):eaax0903. 10. Gluckman PD, et al. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2009. 11. Backholer K, et al. Bull World Health Organ. 2016;94(4):239–41. 12. Hare B, et al. Anim Behav. 2012;83(3):573–85. 13. Misra A, et al. Lancet. 2010;375:2208–19. 14. Thakore PI, et al. Nat Biotechnol. 2015;33(5):510–7. 15. Thakore PI, et al. Nat Biotechnol. 2015;33:510-7. doi:10.1038/nbt.3199 16. Gluckman PD, et al. Principles of Evolutionary Medicine. Oxford: OUP; 2009.
Keywords :Page MJ et al., BMJ 2021; Srour B et al., Neurology 2022; Erickson KI et al., PNAS 2011; Molteni R et al., Neuroscience 2002; Gómez-Pinilla F, Nat Rev Neurosci 2008; Kelly JR et al., Mol Psychiatry 2015; Twenge JM et al., Prev Med Rep 2018; Trut LN, Am Sci 1999; Bratman GN et al., Sci Adv 2019; Gluckman PD et al., Oxford Univ Press 2009; Backholer K et al., Bull WHO 2016; Hare B et al., Anim Behav 2012; Misra A et al., Lancet 2010; Thakore PI et al., Nat Biotechnol 2015.
Conference Name :International Conference on Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases
Conference Place Warsaw, Poland
Conference Date 23rd Aug 2025
