The Effect of the Glycemic Load of Meals on the Cognition and Mood of Older Adults With Differences in Glucose Tolerance

On day one subjects will take an oral glucose tolerance test and will then be divided into four groups depending on their glucose tolerance (how long values remain raised) and the tendency for values to subsequently fall to low values. On a second occasion 155 healthy older adults, aged 45-80 years, will be randomly assigned to receive either a glucose, sucrose or isomaltulose based meal. All meals are matched on macronutrient composition and differ only in glycemic load. Cognitive performance and mood will be assessed 30, 105 and 180 minutes after breakfast. Measures of memory, attention, reaction times and mood will be taken. The response to the three meals will be contrasted in those with different glucose profiles on day one