PhD Studentship: 'De-stressing the Brain': Understanding the Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive and Cerebral Function During Episodes of Mental Stress

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. During stressful periods, individuals often shift their food choices, towards high-fat/sugar foods and away from healthier options. Importantly, unhealthy/healthy food choices when temporally associated with stressful events might either exacerbate or protect cerebral function. To that point, we have recently shown that a high-fat-meal just before an acute episode of mental stress reduces pre-frontal cortical oxygenation in comparison to a low-fat control in healthy young adults. Such reduction in cerebral oxygenation is very likely to impact cognitive function. Yet, it is currently unknown for how long such deficits persist and what is the impact on cognitive performance.

Furthermore, understanding the underlying mechanisms by which fat impacts brain function during stress will be crucial to inform future dietary guidelines; as well as potentiate the research on behaviour change around food choices during stressful periods. Interestingly, preliminary data from our group also suggests that individuals that consume unhealthier diets (particularly higher levels of saturated fat) have reduced cortical oxygenation when subjected to mental stress, suggesting that aspects of habitual diet might be important to determine the resilience of the brain to deal with mental stress.

This project aims to:

1. Investigate which habitual dietary factors (e.g. saturated fat, polyphenols, fiber) modify the susceptibility of the brain’s response to acute mental stress
2. Establish the impact of a high-fat meal prior to mental stress on cognitive function/performance on a high susceptible versus a low susceptible group (e.g. high vs low habitual intake of saturated fat)
3. Explore the underpinning mechanisms by which fat intake affects brain physiology during mental stress by specifically evaluating changes in brain metabolism (mitochondrial respiration), peripheral inflammation and gut microbiome.

This project will have important implications for understanding the consequences of acute stress for brain heath and cognitive performance in young adults and highlights the importance of food choices during periods of stress. There is currently no research on the physiological impact of diet, in relation to brain/mental health, during periods of stress.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong background in Physiology, Nutrition and/or Psychology. Working experience in a research setting, particularly running human randomized controlled trials would be desirable. They should have a commitment and strong interest in interdisciplinary research, be motivated and be prepared to work independently.

How to apply:

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Catarina Rendeiro c.rendeiro@bham.ac.uk (Only apply if the required person specifications referred above are fulfilled).

To apply, please send:

• A detailed CV
• Names and addresses of two referees
• A covering letter stating why this project is of interest to you and highlighting research experience/capabilities applicable in this project.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

The successful applicant will be supported to apply for the BBSRC funded-Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) PhD programme (4 years of funding) in Jan 2025, for a start in September 2025 at UoB. Applicants should have UK or European status. International students will also be considered.

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