Breakfast has long been touted as the most crucial meal of the day, yet not everyone subscribes to this belief. Recent government data reveals that approximately 15% of American adults habitually skip breakfast. However, numerous studies consistently demonstrate that having breakfast can aid in weight management and improve overall health. Additionally, a new consideration has emerged: Breakfast consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive decline as individuals age.
This key finding stems from a study published in the Journal of Neurorestoratology. Researchers examined data from 859 older adults, 117 of whom regularly skipped breakfast. Cognitive tests were administered to participants every 18 months, along with evaluations for signs of neurodegeneration. Some participants also underwent MRI scans at each visit to assess their brain volume.
The study revealed that individuals who regularly omitted breakfast exhibited lower cognitive scores compared to breakfast consumers. Furthermore, breakfast skippers were more prone to cognitive decline and signs of neurodegeneration throughout the study period. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that skipping breakfast was associated with an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in older adults.
Cognitive decline is a complex issue, prompting questions about whether skipping breakfast could potentially lead to neurological complications in the future. While the study did not pinpoint the exact reasons behind the link between skipping breakfast and cognitive decline, some doctors have suggested theories. Properly fueling the body may play a significant role in brain health, according to experts.
“There’s a lot of intriguing evidence regarding the importance of breakfast. It’s plausible that there could be a connection to our brain health,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of geriatric cognitive health at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Raymond Romano, a clinical researcher and nurse practitioner, highlights the brain’s need for fuel to function optimally, emphasizing that skipping breakfast disrupts energy consumption in the brain.
Dr. Amit Sachdev, the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, underscores the brain’s reliance on blood sugar for energy. Regular meals and a balanced diet supply the necessary nutrients to support brain function. However, it is essential to note that while skipping breakfast may be linked to dementia in the study, it is not a direct cause of the condition. Alzheimer’s disease is multifaceted, and skipping breakfast may signal other underlying health habits or factors.
Lifestyle circumstances.” What to eat to reduce your risk of cognitive decline
There are numerous measures you can take to diminish your chances of cognitive decline, one of which is striving to adopt a healthy lifestyle. “Overall health plays a crucial role in brain health,” states Sachdev. “Support your body through regularity, balance, exercise, and proper health upkeep.”
When it comes to nutrition, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests focusing on the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet. The DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of vegetables, fruits, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils while reducing intake of sodium, sweets, sugary drinks, and red meats. Similarly, the Mediterranean diet advises limiting red meat intake and prioritizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats like nuts and olive oil.
If you are aiming to improve your dietary habits to benefit your brain health but are unsure where to begin, Romano suggests starting with minor dietary adjustments and building from there. “You can initiate the process by cutting back on red meat consumption, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, and incorporating healthy fats from sources like nuts and fish,” he recommends.
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