High Dietary Fiber Intake May Help Protect Cognitive Function

High fiber intake is most commonly linked to cardiovascular and digestive health. A new study highlighted a potential link between high fiber intake and protecting cognitive function as we age.

Participants in the study included 3,379 adults with an average age of 52 who took part in the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study. 24-hour dietary recalls were used to estimate dietary fiber intake. Participants were followed for an average of 19 years and all incidences of disabling dementia were recorded.

Participants who consumed the highest levels of fiber had a 26% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed the least. Participants who consumed the second highest amount of dietary fiber had a 19% reduced risk and those who consumed the third highest had a 17% reduced risk. The link was strongest for soluble fibers.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Tsukuba. It was published online ahead of print on February 5, 2022, in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.

Another study found that coffee and tea may help reduce the risk of dementia.