In a groundbreaking study, researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine have found that women who adopt heart-healthy diets in midlife are significantly less likely to suffer from memory loss and cognitive decline in their later years. The study, published in the prestigious journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, highlights the positive impact of the ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’ (DASH) diet on cognitive function, specifically among women. Given that women constitute more than two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, these findings hold immense significance.
The DASH diet is characterized by a high consumption of plant-based foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while also restricting saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar intake. Extensive research has shown that high blood pressure, especially during midlife, is a known risk factor for cognitive decline and the onset of dementia.
To conduct this study, researchers delved into data collected from 5,116 participants in the NYU Women’s Health Study, a longstanding research endeavor that examines the impact of lifestyle and various factors on the development of common cancers in women and other chronic conditions. The study participants completed dietary questionnaires between 1985 and 1991 when they were, on average, 49 years old.
These women were then followed for over 30 years, with the average age at the end of the study being 79. During this time, the participants were periodically asked to report any cognitive complaints, and those who didn’t return questionnaires were contacted via phone.
Cognitive health was assessed through six validated standard questions that are indicative of mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. These questions revolved around difficulties in recalling recent events, shopping lists, comprehending spoken instructions, participating in group conversations, and navigating familiar streets.
Of the six cognitive complaints, it was found that 33 percent of women reported experiencing more than one. However, the women who adhered most closely to the DASH diet experienced a remarkable 17 percent reduction in the likelihood of reporting multiple cognitive complaints.
Dr. Yu Chen, professor in the Department of Population Health and senior author of the study, emphasized the significance of this research, stating, “Subjective complaints about daily cognitive performance are early predictors of more serious neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. With more than 30 years of follow-up, we found that the stronger the adherence to a DASH diet in midlife, the less likely women are to report cognitive issues much later in life.”
These findings hold substantial implications, especially considering that more than 6.5 million Americans are over the age of 65, and this number is expected to more than double by 2060. Yixiao Song, one of the lead authors of the study, summarized the importance of these findings by saying, “Our data suggest that it is important to start a healthy diet in midlife to prevent cognitive impairment in older age.”
In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence that adopting a heart-healthy DASH diet in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline and memory issues in later years, particularly among women who are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. These findings offer hope and practical guidance for individuals looking to preserve their cognitive health as they age.
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