Women consuming a heart healthy diet in midlife less likely to report cognitive decline later in life

Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that women following the diet known as the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) were almost 17% less likely to report memory loss and other signs of cognitive decline decades later.

The study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia analyzed data from 5116 of the more than 14,000 women enrolled in the NYU Women’s Health Study, one of the longest running studies of its kind. The participants with an average age of 49 were followed for more than 30 years.

The DASH diet includes a high consumption of whole foods predominantly plant-based foods, rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium and limit’s saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.