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Nut consumption, cognitive function and brain health markers in individuals with and without stroke: cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from the Framingham heart study
Exploring dietary impacts on cognitive health is crucial, particularly for populations at increased risk of decline, such as stroke survivors. This investigation focused on the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort, aiming to clarify the connection between nut consumption and cognitive function among stroke-free individuals while also examining neurotrophic factors and brain volume. The study also evaluated the long-term effects of nut intake on the risk of stroke and dementia over a decade.
Data analysis revealed that among stroke-free participants, a positive relationship existed between nut intake and global cognitive performance. Specifically, every gram increase in nut consumption correlated with a β of 0.007 (95% CI: 0.001–0.013; n = 1742). Moreover, those with lower diet quality (n = 348) exhibited an even stronger association with better cognitive scores (β: 0.022; 95% CI: 0.012–0.033), as did individuals with reduced physical activity (n = 350; β: 0.015; 95% CI: 0.005–0.026). In contrast, highly active participants (n = 317) showed a link between increased nut consumption and greater brain volume (β = 0.059; 95% CI: 0.002–0.115).
Furthermore, within the subgroup of stroke survivors (n = 28), higher nut intake was associated with elevated serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels (β: 13.256; 95% CI: 1.064–25.448). Over a 10-year period, 49 cases of stroke and 61 dementia cases were tracked, yet no significant connections were noted between nut consumption and the onset of these conditions.
Overall, the data suggest that increased nut consumption might confer cognitive benefits, especially for individuals facing lifestyle-related cardiovascular risks, although the lack of association with incident stroke and dementia requires further investigation. [NPID: Nuts, cognition, stroke, cardiovascular]
Year: 2026
