Anja Mrhar

About me

I am a Research Assistant and PhD candidate in Biosciences – Nutrition at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, where I obtained my Master’s degree in Nutrition Science in 2021. My research focus on the topic of diet quality related to ageing, with a particular focus on eating behaviour, cognitive decline, and dementia in older adults. My current work involves close collaboration with the Neurology Clinic at the University Medical Center Ljubljana, and have been involved in interdisciplinary projects related to dementia prevention, cognitive health, and public awareness.

Since 2024, I have been affiliated with the Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet as a visiting researcher in Davide Liborio Vetrano’s research group, where I study the relationship between dietary patterns, biomarkers of neurodegeneration, and dementia risk through epidemiological research.

My primary research interest lies in understanding the relationship between diet and cognitive decline, with particular emphasis on dietary patterns, individual foods and nutrients, and the determinants of eating behaviour. While my work is primarily grounded in observational research, I aim to strengthen this field by integrating longitudinal study designs, the analysis of complex cohort datasets including biomarker data, and rigorous assessment of potential confounding factors. Ultimately, I seek to address questions related to diet and brain health through a multidisciplinary and translational research perspective.

Article: JPAD-JOURNAL OF PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE. 2025;12(6):100124
Dietary patterns and blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively intact older adults: Findings from a population-based study
Mrhar A; Carballo-Caslaa A; Grande G; Vallettaa M; Fredolini C; Fratiglioni L; Kramberger MG; Kuharb A; Winblad B; Calderon-Larranaga A; Vetranoa DL