July 2nd 2024.
Maintaining a healthy diet has been proven to have long-term benefits for our cognitive health. A recent study has shown that following a nutritious diet at the age of 43 can help keep our brains functioning well and reduce the risk of developing dementia in our later years. However, it's important to note that this doesn't mean we only have to eat well for one year. The study, which tracked individuals and their diets over several decades, found that what we eat in our 40s has a significant impact on our memory decline in the future.
Previous research on dementia has primarily focused on the eating habits of older adults in their 60s and 70s. However, this new study looked at data from over 3,000 UK adults who were born in 1946 and have been tracked for more than 75 years as part of a national research project. The participants were asked to keep food diaries at different ages, which were then evaluated based on factors such as the consumption of vegetables and sugary foods. They also completed regular cognitive tests between the ages of 4 and 63, which measured their brain function and memory.
After analyzing the data, the researchers found a strong correlation between diet and cognitive ability. Participants who had a higher quality diet at the age of 43 had a lower risk of cognitive decline in their later years. Even small improvements in diet quality at this age were associated with a 4% decrease in the risk of lower brain function. Lead author Dr. Kelly Cara explains that diets that are high in whole and less processed plant-based foods, such as leafy green vegetables, beans, and whole fruits, may be the most protective for our cognitive health.
The team also found that only 8% of people with low-quality diets were able to sustain high cognitive ability, while around 7% of those with high-quality diets experienced low cognitive ability over time. These findings were presented at the Nutrition 2024 conference and suggest that dietary patterns in midlife may have the greatest impact on our cognitive health up to the age of 69.
It's important to note that there are some common early signs of dementia that may appear before a formal diagnosis is made. These symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, struggling to carry out daily tasks, confusion in conversations, and mood changes. The NHS recommends seeking medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms.
Dr. Kelly Cara emphasizes the importance of establishing healthy dietary patterns early in life to support and maintain our health throughout our lifespan. The study also suggests that even slight differences in diet quality during childhood can have a significant impact on our diet in later years. Therefore, it's never too early to start making positive changes to our eating habits.
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