Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/620610
Winter 2016 — www.ncsf.com 11 Winter 2016 — www.ncsf.com 11 experienced the smallest decline in cognitive function over time. Individuals with the lowest adherence to a "prudent" diet, who conformed more to a "Western" eating pattern, showed an increase in cognitive decline over the six year period. Cognitive decline is an age-related deterioration in brain function characterized by more difficulty with memory, language, and other cognitive functions. "In our study population, we saw evidence that those who mostly consumed an unhealthy diet had approximately twice as much cognitive decline than those who consumed healthy and unhealthy diets together over time," said study author Behnaz Shakersain, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, at the Karolinska Institute Aging Research Center, in Stockholm. The researchers also found, though, that participants who consumed an array of foods from both the "prudent" and "Western" diet patterns had only about half (54 percent) the decline in cognition on average than those in the group that ate a predominantly "Western" diet. So, can we eat imperfectly and still fight brain decline if we make sure we eat some healthy foods, too? "We can never make such a conclusion. As we have shown, those who had a mixed dietary pattern – healthy and less healthy – still had more cognitive decline as compared to those who adhered mostly to a healthy diet, even if the decline was not statistically significant. So, the main message is still to try to modify your diet towards entire healthy eating behaviors and patterns. It's never too early, never too late. The healthier you eat, the more benefits – better cognition at older age – you may gain," Shakersain told CBS News. Dr. Eric Reiman, Executive Director at Banner Alzheimer's Institute, in Phoenix, said that the large, longitudinal study provides added support for the idea that dietary habits that are good for the heart may also be good for the brain. "Closer adherence to a 'healthy diet' was associated with a slightly lower rate of decline in memory and thinking abilities in older adults. While actual prevention trials are needed to confirm the findings and clarify whether a healthy diet is also associated with a lower risk for the clinical onset of Alzheimer's disease, the findings may provide an additional incentive for people to watch what they eat to promote their physical and mental health," Reiman told CBS News. Heather Snyder, Ph.D., Director of Medical and Scientific Operations at the Alzheimer's Association, told CBS News, "We can walk away with new information that supports the idea of eating a balanced diet." Added Shakersain, "Whether diet has an impact on specific cognitive domains – attention, memory, language, planning and decision-making, etcetera – needs more research." By MARY BROPHY MARCUS, CBS NEWS October 16, 2015 © 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Supplied with permission by CBS News. RECIPE Zucchini Boats Makes 4 servings 2 medium zucchini ½ C shredded carrot ¼ C chopped onion Vegetable cooking spray 1 C cornbread stuffing mix 3 Tbsp water ¼ C shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese 1) Halve zucchini lengthwise. Scoop out pulp, leaving ¼-inch thick shells. Discard pulp. 2) Place zucchini halves, cut side down, in a large skillet. Add ½ cup water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain zucchini on paper towels. 3) Meanwhile, prepare stuffing. Lightly spray a medium saucepan with vegetable spray. Add carrot and onion; cook over medium heat until onion is tender. 4) Stir in stuffing mix and water. 5) Spoon stuffing into prepared zucchini, then sprinkle cheese on top; place them in shallow baking dish. 6) Bake in 350°F oven about 20 minutes, or until zucchini are tender and stuffing is heated through.