Analysis of the association between dietary sodium intake and cognitive function: A NHANES-based machine learning study and animal experimental validation

This research article explores the crucial role of sodium intake in cognitive function, emphasizing the public health implications of excessive dietary salt consumption. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014, the study assessed 2,367 participants aged 60–80 years. The findings indicated that the average sodium intake among participants was 4,502 mg, with 91% exceeding recommended levels. A positive correlation was found between dietary sodium intake and cognitive function scores, with the random forest model demonstrating superior predictive efficacy compared to other machine learning approaches. Furthermore, a 6-month high-salt dietary intervention in a C57BL/6 mouse model revealed significant neurobehavioral impairments, including deficits in spatial memory and increased anxiety, in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest a threshold-dependent relationship between dietary sodium intake and cognitive function, reinforcing the necessity for public health strategies aimed at reducing salt consumption to mitigate dementia risk. [NPID: Sodium, cognitive, neurobehavioral, dementia]

Year: 2025

Reference: Wang, S., Deng, K., Zhao, H., Wang, Y., Guo, P., Jin, H., & Qi, L. (2025). Analysis of the association between dietary sodium intake and cognitive function: A NHANES-based machine learning study and animal experimental validation. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1626651. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1626651