Abstract

A REVIEW OF NUTRITIONAL EFFECTS ON COGNITIVE DECLINE AND PROGRESSION TO DEMENTIA

*S. M. Sandhya, Aranya K. Sreekumar, Jibin John, Kavya Shyam, Reshma S. Reghu, Prasobh G. R. and Swathy S.

Abstract

Dementia is characterised by progressive loss of memory leading to impairment of daily activities and deficiency in social interaction. With increasing life expectancy, the prevalence of dementia will increase in the next few decades, and will have a phenomenal emotional and economic impact. Diet and nutrition is becoming the potential modifiable contributor on age associated cognitive decline. A greater adherence to Mediterranean diet (Me Diet) shown reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. In a number of studies the association between Dietary approach to stop hypertension and Mediterranean Diet with age related cognitive changes were examined. In this article we review the various possible nutritional factors and actions of dietary components and patterns on cognitive decline and dementia.

Keywords: Dementia, cognitive decline, nutrition, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, diet.