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Dietary Patterns Contributes to Cognitive Decline, Dementia

by VR Sreeraman on Nov 7 2007 4:46 PM

A study has found that dietary patterns practised during adulthood are vital contributors to age-related risks of cognitive decline and dementia.

Adults having diabetes are sensitive to the foods eaten by them with respect to cognitive function. Specifically, an adult with diabetes experiences a decline in memory function after a meal, especially if the consumed food contains simple carbohydrate.

While the precise physiological mechanisms underlying the dietary influences are not completely understood, the modulation of brain insulin levels likely contributes. The deficit can be prevented through healthful food choices at meals.

The study, authored by Carol Greenwood, MSc, Ph.D., a Professor of Nutrition at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at KLARU Baycrest, highlights information on the benefits of diets high in fruit, vegetables, cereals and fish and low in saturated fats in reducing dementia risk.

The analysis of the study suggests that weight maintenance reduces the risk of developing obesity-associated disorders, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and is an important component of preserving cognitive health.

The finding reveals another benefit of maintaining healthful eating practices with progression of age, the same ones proposed by most diabetes and heart & stroke foundations.

“This type of information should be able to empower the individual, knowing that he/she can be actively engaged in activities and lifestyles that should support cognitive health with aging,” Greenwood said.

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The study is published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Source-ANI
SRM/M


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