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Association between Dietary Sodium Intake and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
T M Rush1, D Kritz-Silverstein, G A Laughlin
1Toni Rush, MPH, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr MC 0725, La Jolla, CA 92093. E-mail: tmrush@ucsd.edu. Phone: 619-246-6561.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|March 1, 2017
Summary
Lower sodium intake is linked to worse cognitive function in older adults. Avoiding very low sodium diets may help maintain cognitive health in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Neuroscience
- Public Health and Aging Studies
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
- Dietary factors, such as sodium intake, may influence cognitive health.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for developing preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dietary sodium intake and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.
- To determine if lower sodium consumption is associated with poorer cognitive performance or increased risk of cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 925 community-dwelling older adults (aged 50-96 years).
- Dietary sodium intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Trails Making Test Part B, Mini-Mental State Exam, and Verbal Fluency Test.
Main Results:
- Lower sodium intake was significantly associated with poorer performance on cognitive tests, including Trails B and the Mini-Mental State Exam.
- This association remained significant after adjusting for various demographic, behavioral, and health factors.
- Older adults (≥80 years) showed a more pronounced negative impact of lower sodium intake on cognitive performance.
- Lower sodium intake was linked to increased odds of cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Reduced dietary sodium intake is associated with worse cognitive function in older adults.
- Very low sodium diets may negatively impact cognitive health in the elderly.
- Recommendations to avoid extremely low sodium diets may be beneficial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
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