Chocolate intake is associated with better cognitive function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study
Georgina E Crichton1, Merrill F Elias2, Ala'a Alkerwi3
1Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Appetite
|February 14, 2016
Summary
Frequent chocolate consumption is linked to better cognitive function, including memory and reasoning. However, these associations may not be causal, as prospective analyses showed no long-term link.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Chocolate and cocoa flavanols have historical health associations, including established cardiovascular benefits.
- The impact of chocolate on neurocognition and behavior remains less understood.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for public health and dietary recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between habitual chocolate intake and cognitive function.
- To adjust for potential confounding factors such as cardiovascular, lifestyle, and dietary elements.
- To explore the relationship between chocolate consumption and various cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 968 community-dwelling participants (aged 23-98 years) from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS).
- Assessment of habitual chocolate intake and cognitive performance using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.
- Statistical control for cardiovascular, lifestyle, and dietary factors.
Main Results:
- Higher chocolate consumption correlated significantly with better performance on the Global Composite score, Visual-Spatial Memory and Organization, Working Memory, Scanning and Tracking, Abstract Reasoning, and the Mini-Mental State Examination.
- These associations, except for Working Memory, persisted after adjusting for confounding variables.
- Prospective analyses over 18 years found no significant association between cognitive function and later chocolate intake.
Conclusions:
- Habitual chocolate intake is associated with enhanced cognitive performance in several domains.
- The observed associations may not indicate a causal relationship, necessitating further investigation.
- Future intervention trials and longitudinal studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms linking chocolate, cocoa flavanols, and cognition.
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