Protein and anti-inflammatory diet may help against cognitive decline: Study
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A recent Nutrients journal study evaluated the effects of a protein-enriched diet (PED) and an anti-inflammatory diet (AID) on cognitive impairment (CI) in older adults.
The Lancet Commission suggested that specific dietary compounds could delay or prevent 40% of dementia worldwide. Beta-carotene supports mental health, polyphenols have neuroprotective effects, and omega-3 fatty acids benefit cognitive function.
Cognitive impairment, including conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, represents a growing public health concern, particularly among aging populations. While genetic and lifestyle factors influence cognitive decline, emerging evidence suggests that dietary habits play a pivotal role in modulating brain function and mitigating cognitive decline.
The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) assesses dietary inflammation, with higher scores correlating to increased dementia risk. Adequate protein intake is linked to better cognitive performance, and the protein-enriched Mediterranean diet may support healthy ageing, although results vary. Previous studies also highlighted the beneficial effects of specific dietary patterns on cognitive impairment.
The study cohort comprised 8,692 adults 60 years of age or older. The anti-inflammatory foods included fruits, vegetables, legumes, tea, and nuts. Protein-rich food sources included eggs, fish, meats, dairy products, and bean products. Data analysis was conducted to obtain results.
The results showed that higher protein-enriched diet and anti-inflammatory diet scores were associated with lower cognitive impairment risk in older adults, with a linear relationship observed. Gender differences in CI may be due to varying dietary intake or smoking habits. Lifestyle factors, including diet, play a role in reducing CI incidence. Folate deficiency, common in older adults, is linked to depression and dementia.
The findings suggested that consuming more than three units of protein-rich and anti-inflammatory foods regularly may help prevent CI, but excessive intake is not advised due to digestive issues.
Reference: Wang, L., Xian, X., Zhou, M., et al. (2024). Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Protein-Enriched Diet Can Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Research. Nutrients 16(9); 1333. doi:10.3390/nu16091333.
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