A study published online in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity in older adults is associated with an increased risk for dementia with poorer memory function and faster memory decline.
Cognitive Outcomes and Food Insecurity
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of California in San Francisco, examined whether food insecurity in older adults is associated with later-life cognitive outcomes.
The researchers studied a cohort of U.S. residents aged 50 years and older with food insecurity data in 2013 and cognitive outcome data between 2014 and 2018.
The sample included 7,012 participants with a mean age of 67.7 years.
The researchers found that experiencing low food security and very low food security was associated with higher odds of dementia compared with that seen in food-secure older adults.
Lower memory levels and faster age-related memory decline were seen in association with low and very low food security.
The findings highlight the need to improve food security in older adults. It is important to understand how food insecurity affects cognitive outcomes in older adults. By doing so, we can better protect older adults from the long-term effects of cognitive decline and dementia.
Protecting Cognitive Health
It is important to protect cognitive health, as dementia is a growing concern among older adults.
Parents, caregivers, and educators can help by creating safe and nurturing environments for children. They can also provide support and resources to help older adults cope with stress and adversity.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of food insecurity on cognitive outcomes in older adults.
By doing so, we can better protect older adults from the long-term effects of cognitive decline and dementia.
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Network Open.
