Healthy diet helps a healthy brain

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-02-24 03:00

International

CC-0

International scientists say sticking to a healthy diet could help you avoid cognitive decline, a decline in mental abilities. They looked at diet and brain function data on 159,347 Americans, and found those who stuck to six 'healthy' diet patterns were less likely than those on a general diet to experience cognitive decline later on. The most powerful protective effect was seen among people who ate healthily in middle-age (45-54 years old). The most effective diet was the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is designed to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The findings suggest eating healthily could help keep your brain ticking over in old age, the researchers conclude.

News release

From: JAMA

Dietary Patterns and Indicators of Cognitive Function

About The Study: The results of this study reveal that healthy diets, exemplified by the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet for blood pressure control and diets with lower hyperinsulinemia and inflammation potentials, were associated with a lower subjective cognitive decline risk and better cognitive function. These findings underscore the importance of a healthy diet for maintaining long-term cognitive health.

Attachments

Note: Not all attachments are visible to the general public. Research URLs will go live after the embargo ends.

Research JAMA, Web page The URL will go live after the embargo ends

Journal/
conference: JAMA Neurology

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA

Funder: The cohorts were supported by grants UM1 CA186107, U01 CA176726, and U01 CA167552 from the National Institutes of Health. The current study was supported by grants from the Zhejiang University Global Partnership Fund, Alzheimer’s Association (AARG-22-928604). Dr Chen was supported by the Zhejiang University Doctoral Academic Rising Star Training Program.

Media Contact/s

Contact details are only visible to registered journalists.