Hard to Process

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that what you eat could make a big difference in your mental acuity during your later years. The research linked cognitive decline with the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods such as ice cream, pizza, lunch meat, chips, and cookies. Rutgers University in Camden researcher Kristin August, an expert in the relationship between nutrition and psychology, explained that while these foods have long been known to cause diabetes, heart disease, and other physical issues, their association with cognitive decline is becoming increasingly hard to swallow.

“We know that cognitive decline shares a lot of the same risk factors as those other health issues,” August said.

August noted that the study did not conclusively determine highly processed foods cause cognitive decline, but it did establish a correlation between the two. Beyond diet, a complex interplay of other biological, psychological, and social factors put people at risk.

“For example, not getting enough regular exercise, excessive alcohol use, and smoking have all been shown to contribute to cognitive decline,” August said. “Genetics also play a role, although that doesn’t mean you will automatically develop dementia if you have a genetic predisposition.”

August offered several tips for those hoping to stay mentally sharp through improved diet. Classic psychological techniques such as self-monitoring, which includes paying attention to what you eat and keeping a food diary, have been shown to be effective. In addition, making small dietary changes has been shown to work better than completely overhauling one's diet all at once or eliminating entire food groups.