Amid ongoing research highlighting the benefits of a plant-rich diet low in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods for overall health, evidence continues to mount on its positive impact in reducing risks associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Recent studies have also underscored the role of healthy eating in older adults, linking it to a decreased likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia.
At NUTRITION 2024, the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, new research emphasized the lifelong importance of diet in preserving cognitive function as individuals age. Findings suggest that adopting healthy eating habits early in life correlates with better cognitive performance later on. This study, however, awaits peer-reviewed publication.
Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian and science communications officer at Examine, noted the study’s significance in reinforcing the connection between diet and cognitive health across different life stages. She highlighted the study’s unique approach in tracking cognition alongside dietary habits over several decades, a pivotal contribution to the field.
Examining data from the Medical Research Council’s National Survey of Health and Development spanning more than 75 years, researchers assessed the diets and cognitive abilities of 3,059 participants from childhood to late adulthood. Using group-based trajectory modeling, they explored how dietary patterns influenced cognitive trajectories over time.
Dr. Scott Kaiser, a board-certified geriatrician, emphasized the plausible biological mechanisms supporting the relationship between diet and brain health, though causation wasn’t the primary focus of this and related foundational studies in the field. The study employed the 2020 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to gauge diet quality, linking higher scores—reflective of diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—to better cognitive outcomes.
Key findings revealed that participants maintaining high cognitive function into older age tended to consume diets rich in brain-boosting foods while minimizing intake of sugars, refined grains, and sodium. Early dietary habits influenced later-life choices, suggesting a cumulative effect on cognitive abilities over time.
Lead researcher Dr. Kelly Cara from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy highlighted the enduring impact of childhood dietary patterns on lifelong health decisions. She stressed the potential for dietary improvements in midlife to mitigate early poor diet effects on cognitive health.
Costa reinforced the importance of antioxidant-rich diets—such as those resembling Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets—in protecting against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. These diets are characterized by their ability to combat oxidative stress, support brain structure, and maintain vascular health, crucial for optimal brain function.
In conclusion, adopting a balanced diet focused on brain-healthy foods can enhance cognitive function and promote overall vascular health, offering potential benefits for maintaining mental acuity well into old age.
