Die lebenslange Ernährungsqualität sagt die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit und das Demenzrisiko im Alter voraus. Personen, die von der Kindheit bis ins Erwachsenenalter minderwertige Ernährungsgewohnheiten beibehalten, können in späteren Jahren mit einem höheren Risiko für kognitive Probleme und Demenz konfrontiert sein.

**Lifelong diet quality predicts cognitive ability and dementia risk in older age**

A new longitudinal analysis suggests that the quality of a person’s diet throughout their entire lifespan shares a significant link with their cognitive abilities as they age. The research indicates that **individuals who maintain lower quality dietary habits from childhood into adulthood may face a higher likelihood of cognitive struggles and dementia in later years**. These findings were published in Current Developments in Nutrition.

The researchers examined specific dietary components that differed between the groups. Throughout adulthood, participants in the higher cognitive trajectory tended to eat more whole fruits and whole grains. They also consumed fewer refined grains compared to their peers in lower cognitive groups.

At ages 53 and 60-64, the high cognitive group also showed lower sodium intake. They consumed more vegetables, specifically greens and beans. These specific food choices appear to contribute to the overall difference in diet quality scores.

The researchers posit several biological mechanisms that might explain these findings. Nutrients found in high-quality diets, such as fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, are essential for brain health. These compounds support the maintenance of neurons and protect against neurodegeneration.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://cdn.nutrition.org/article/S2475-2991(25)03081-1/fulltext

Poor people dumb. Rich people smart. Me understand. *grunt grunt*