High intake of dietary saturated fats and triglycerides linked to poorer memory performance: Study

With Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias projected to triple by 2050, addressing modifiable health and lifestyle factors is crucial to prevention and reducing the associated public health burden. This study investigates the interaction between triglyceride levels and dietary fat intake and diet quality on memory performance in middle-aged adults at heightened risk for metabolic health issues. Community-dwelling adults aged 40– 65 with cardiometabolic health risks participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants with a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions were excluded. Dietary intake was self-reported through a 3-day food record, and serum triglyceride levels were measured. Neuropsychological testing assessed memory performance. Cross-sectional regression analyses examined how dietary fat intake and quality interact with triglyceride levels to affect memory performance in 146 adults. Results: The analysis revealed a significant interaction between triglyceride levels and the ratio of dietary saturated fat to total caloric intake on memory performance (β = − 0.087, p = 0.022). The relationship between triglyceride levels and memory performance was modified by the ratio of saturated fat to total caloric intake. At higher levels of saturated fat intake, higher triglycerides were associated with worse memory performance. However, at lower levels of saturated fat intake, the association between triglycerides and memory performance was not statistically significant. Better adherence to USDA dietary guidelines, reflected by higher Healthy Eating Index 2020 scores, was associated with better memory performance (β = 0.018, p < 0.002), regardless of triglyceride levels. Diet quality, as indicated by adherence to dietary guidelines, supports cognitive health. Elevated triglycerides combined with a high ratio of dietary saturated fat intake were associated with poorer memory performance. Precision nutrition strategies aimed at reducing saturated fat intake in midlife adults with elevated triglyceride levels may help mitigate memory-related cognitive decline and enhance brain health.

Reference:

Gallagher I, Li Y, Youn C, Tanaka H, Davis JN, Haley AP. Dietary Saturated Fat Intake Moderates the Effect of Plasma Triglycerides on Memory Performance in Middle-Aged Adults. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. 2025;17:29-41

https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S496926

Keywords:

High intake, dietary, saturated fats, triglycerides, linked, poorer, memory, performance, study, Gallagher I, Li Y, Youn C, Tanaka H, Davis JN, Haley AP