Older people often have poor memory - and it's not only because of their age, but also because of their lifestyle, genes, and dieting.
A study led by Columbia and Harvard researchers found that a diet low in flavanols, which are nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, is linked to age-related memory loss.
Let's find out more.
Flavanols matter
Flavanols seem to play a crucial role in maintaining memory as we age.
When older adults had diets lacking in flavanols, their memory test scores declined.
However, the study also discovered that giving mildly flavanol-deficient adults over 60 a supplement with these nutrients improved their memory test performance.
This suggests that flavanol-rich diets or supplements might help older adults with their cognitive function.
More about the study
The study supports the idea that as we age, our brains need specific nutrients to stay healthy, similar to how babies require certain nutrients for proper development.
Flavanols appear to be one of those important nutrients for aging brains.
The research focused on a brain region called the hippocampus, which is essential for forming new memories.
Flavanols were found to enhance the growth of neurons and blood vessels in this brain area, improving memory.
However, the study emphasizes that flavanols are beneficial mainly for those with low dietary intake of these nutrients.
Why it's important
In essence, this study highlights the importance of certain nutrients like flavanols in maintaining memory as we get older, suggesting that dietary adjustments or supplements could potentially support cognitive health in aging adults.
