A recent study shows the benefits of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, particularly for middle-aged women in warding off memory loss and cognitive decline in later years.
These findings are published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia. They are especially important given that women constitute over two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses, the most common form of dementia.
The study’s insights are timely and relevant, considering the 6.5 million Americans over 65 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022, a figure projected to more than double by 2060.
The research underscores a crucial link between dietary habits in mid-life and cognitive health decades later.
The team observed that women who adhered more closely to the DASH diet in their middle years reported fewer cognitive issues in later life.
This diet emphasizes plant-based foods high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while limiting saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.
The research was part of the NYU Women’s Health Study, involving 5,116 out of over 14,000 women. Initially surveyed about their dietary habits between 1985 and 1991, these participants were followed for over 30 years.
The average participant age at the study’s commencement was 49, and follow-up continued until they were around 79 years old.
Participants self-reported cognitive complaints using six standard questions indicative of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia. These queries focused on difficulties in memory, understanding, and navigation.
The team found among the participants, 33% reported having more than one cognitive complaint. Those most adherent to the DASH diet had a 17% reduction in the odds of reporting multiple cognitive complaints.
The research findings suggest that adopting a healthy diet in midlife, particularly the DASH diet, could be crucial in preventing cognitive impairment in older age.
The researchers call for further studies across diverse racial and ethnic groups to validate these findings’ applicability.
This research could pave the way for public health initiatives focused on dietary guidance as way to prevent cognitive decline.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The research findings can be found in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
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