A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals how certain nutrients can enhance your brain structure and cognitive function in old age.
The Link Between Nutrients, Brain Structure and Cognition
The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, involved 111 healthy older adults who underwent MRI scans, blood tests and cognitive assessments. The researchers used a data-fusion method to analyze the links between three measures known to independently predict healthy aging: nutrient intake, brain structure and cognitive function.
They found that blood markers of two saturated fatty acids, along with certain omega-6, -7 and -9 fatty acids, correlated with better scores on tests of memory and with larger brain structures in the frontal, temporal, parietal and insular cortices. These brain regions are involved in various aspects of memory, attention, language and decision-making.
The Benefits of a Comprehensive Approach
The study is one of the few that takes a comprehensive look at brain health, cognition and broad dietary patterns overall, according to the lead author Aron Barbey, a professor of psychology, bioengineering and neuroscience at the U. of I. He said that by combining multiple measures using a data-fusion approach, they were able to account for much of the variation in healthy aging and better understand how nutrition contributes to health, aging and disease.
The study also adds to the evidence that nutrition is a key player in healthy aging, said co-author Chris Zwilling, a psychology research scientist at the U. of I. He said that their work motivates a more comprehensive picture of healthy aging and gives insight into the importance of diet and nutrition.
The Takeaway for Older Adults
The study does not prove that dietary habits directly promote brain health, but it suggests that certain nutrients may have beneficial effects on brain structure and function in older adults. The researchers recommend that older adults follow a balanced diet that includes foods rich in omega-6, -7 and -9 fatty acids, such as nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil and avocado.
By eating well, you may not only improve your physical health but also your mental health. And who doesn’t want to have a better memory and a bigger brain?
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