The role of nutrition in cognitive function and brain ageing in the elderly

Gardener & Rainey-Smith (2018) evaluated the role of nutrition in cognitive function and brain aging, focusing on the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diets and examining the literature from the last 5 years. Results showed the MIND diet substantially slowed cognitive impairment, over and above the MeDi and DASH diets. High adherence to healthy dietary patterns does appear to be associated with preservation of brain structure and function too. Despite these associations, Gardener & Rainey-Smith (2018) feel additional work is required to develop dietary guidelines with the greatest potential benefit for public health, as the world’s population ages and demand for research into this topic increases further. [NPIDs: aging, elderly, cognitive decline, neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, cognition, DASH, Mediterranean diet]

Year: 2018

Reference: Gardener, S. L., & Rainey-Smith, S. R. (2018). The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Function and Brain Ageing in the Elderly. Current nutrition reports, 7(3), 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-018-0229-y

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