Could a handful of nuts a day prevent cognitive decline?

Regular nut consumption is linked to a better cognitive function in older adults, with a higher intake associated with a 68% lower risk of cognitive disorders in a study by South -Netherlands.

Study: Nut consumption is associated with the cognitive status in South -Italian adults. Image Credit: Eakrat / Shutterstock

A new study published in the magazine Nutrients suggests that older adults who regularly consume nuts can have better cognitive health. The research team discovered that people with a higher nut intake had a 68% lower chance of cognitive impairment (adapted ODDS ratio: 0.32, 95% BI: 0.13-0.77), with the emphasis on the role of diet in the Brain function and aging.

Dementia and diet

With the aging world population, cognitive decline has become a growing problem for public health. Dementia and related circumstances influence millions worldwide, with risk factors ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices. Although some preventive strategies remain elusive, growing research has emphasized the potential of the diet in maintaining the health of the brain.

Nutrition -rich food, especially those in the Mediterranean diet, are associated with a better cognitive function. Nuts, a staple of this diet, are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants and polyphenols – known for their neuroprotective effects. Some studies suggest that nut consumption can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to cognitive impairment.

Earlier research, however, has largely focused on specific notes, such as walnuts, with mixed results. Given the rising prevalence of cognitive impairment and the need for effective nutritional interventions, this study is investigating or regular nut consumption is linked to better cognitive status in older adults, regardless of the specific type that is consumed.

About the study

In this transversal research, the researchers have analyzed data from 883 adults aged 50 and older, from the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Aging and Lifestyles (Meal) study in southern Italy. They assessed the nut consumption of the participants with the help of a questionnaire of 110 items that described their intake of different notes, including almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and chestnuts.

In addition, the cognitive function of the participants was measured using a validated mental status questionnaire, a standard screening instrument for detecting cognitive impairment. To determine whether the nut consumption correlated with cognitive status, the researchers divided the participants into low and high -cut consumers. The median intake of nuts was 11.7 grams per day, with low consumers an average of 4.3 grams per day and high consumers with an average nut intake of 39.7 grams.

Statistical analyzes were responsible for factors such as age, gender, education, physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and smoke status to minimize potential confusing variables. Moreover, the researchers have been adapted for compliance with the Mediterranean diet, although notes were not included in the Mediterranean diet score, so that the observed cognitive benefits were independent of the overall food quality.

With the help of multivariate logistics regression models, the study whether the total nut intake and intake of specific nutypes were linked to cognitive status. The analysis was aimed at insulating the independent effect of notes on the health of the brain and to give a clearer picture of their potential role in the cognitive function.

Great findings

The study found that a higher nut consumption was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults. In particular, people who consumed more than 11.7 grams of nuts every day had 68% lower chances of cognitive impairment (OR = 0.32, 95% BI: 0.13-0.77) compared to those who ate fewer nuts. Moreover, this association remained strong, even after correction for factors such as age, lifestyle habits and compliance with the Mediterranean diet.

It is interesting that, although the total nut consumption showed a clear link to cognitive status, no individual nutype showed a significant independent association with cognitive function. This suggested that the benefits can arise from the combined effects of multiple nutrients in nuts instead of a single variety.

Nutritional, consumers with a high nut in more intake of healthy fats, including mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as higher levels of vitamins A, C, E and D, together with minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. These nutrients are linked to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to cognitive decline. In addition, nuts are rich in polyphenols and fibers, which can support the health of the brain by promoting the intestinal microbiota balance and improving the vascular function.

Although the study emphasized a strong link between food and cognitive function, it is important to notice its observational nature, which implies that causality cannot be definitively determined. In other words, although nut consumption is linked to a better cognitive function, it has not yet been proven that notes prevent cognitive decline immediately. Additional longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to confirm whether consistent nut intake occurs immediately cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, these findings reinforced the growing evidence that a diet that is rich in nutrients, including nuts, can be a valuable strategy for the preservation of cognitive health in aging populations.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the study contributed to the growing whole of evidence that diet links to the health of the brain and suggested that regular nut consumption can play a role in maintaining the cognitive function in older adults. Although more research is needed to determine the causal link, absorbing nuts in a balanced diet appears to be a potentially favorable strategy for supporting brain health in the long term.