However, the dietary intakes of the participants in this study were self-reported and not clinically monitored or controlled.
Representative image. Chelsea Pridham / Unsplash
With a growing population of older people in the world, the threat of age-related cognitive decline and decline is increasing. What is even more concerning is the fact that if left unchecked or prevented, cognitive decline and decline can lead to a plethora of debilitating neurocognitive diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Therefore, preventing age-related cognitive decline and decline is a goal that everyone should work towards from a young age.
Nutrition and cognitive impairment
A study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016 reveals that lifestyle modifications as a means of protection against cognitive decline are gaining more and more popularity.
Some lifestyle changes that are associated with lower risks of cognitive decline include reduced intake of saturated and trans fats, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, dietary intake of vitamins E and B12, and regular aerobic exercise .
The role of nutritional interventions in the prevention of cognitive decline is also being highlighted by studies from around the world.
Another study published in Biomedical Act In 2018, for example, it states that there are two popular diet patterns and a number of nutrients that are considered to have a neuroprotective effect and reduce the risks of cognitive decline.
The Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) are two types of diet that can not only prevent cognitive decline, but also reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease in particular.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin (found in turmeric), magnesium, cocoa, cocoa products, tea, caffeine, and garlic are also considered to have a neuroprotective effect.
Cheese, wine, lamb and neuroprotection
Continuing with this line of research to support the nutritional prevention of cognitive decline, a new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease adds to this list of foods to include in your diet.
The study was conducted by researchers at Iowa State University, USA, and is reportedly the first large-scale study of its kind in which food is specifically linked to decreased risks of spoilage. cognitive. The researchers collected data from 1,787 UK Biobank participants aged between 46 and 77 years.
Participants received a fluid intelligence test (FIT) and completed a food frequency questionnaire to report their intake of 49 whole foods including fresh fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, oily fish, lean fish, processed meat, poultry, beef, lamb, pork, cheese, bread, cereals, tea, coffee, beer, red wine, white wine, champagne and other spirits.
The FIT results were compiled between 2006 and 2010 and follow-up evaluations were conducted from 2012 to 2013 and then again between 2015-2016.
Surprising results and limitations
The researchers found that participants who reported a daily cheese intake had the best FIT scores and were shown to have the most neuroprotective characteristics. The intake of alcohol of any kind, and especially red wine, was found to also have neuroprotective properties.
The weekly consumption of lamb was also associated with better results, but the same was not the case with other red meats.
The study also found that additional salt intake by at-risk patients, on the other hand, led to decreased cognitive performance and added to the risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, the researchers concluded that adding red wine and cheese to the daily diet and lamb to the weekly diet can improve long-term cognitive health outcomes, while salt intake should be further regulated according to individual risk.
The results of this study can be considered very surprising, especially since daily alcohol consumption, high cheese intake, and regular consumption of red meat are individually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and other diseases.
Furthermore, the dietary intakes of the participants in this study were self-reported and not clinically monitored or controlled. So it’s very important to take these findings with a pinch of salt (metaphorically) and consult your doctor for individualized dietary recommendations rather than blindly adding cheese, red wine, or lamb to your diet.
To learn more, read our article on dementia.
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