Nutrition and Cognition

There are multiple nutritional and other nutritionally related risk factors for memory loss and cognitive decline including:

• High blood pressure. A study done in 1998 found a direct correlation between hypertension and mental decline.
• Low serum folate. Low serum folate was strongly associated with atrophy of the cerebral cortex.
• There are multiple nutritional and other nutritionally related risk factors for memory loss and cognitive decline including:
• There are multiple nutritional and other nutritionally related risk factors for memory loss and cognitive decline including:
• High blood pressure. A study done in 1998 found a direct correlation between hypertension and mental decline.
• Low serum folate. Low serum folate was strongly associated with atrophy of the cerebral cortex.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency. An important manifestation of B12 deficiency is cognitive impairment.
• Hyperhomocysteinemia is related to poor recall and this association was partially independent of folate status.
• Other nutrient deficiencies can lead to dementia.
• A lack of thiamine is known to produce Wernicke's encephalopathy. Such a patient presents with malnutrition, confusion, ataxia, and diplopia.
• A severe lack of vitamin B12, folic acid or omega 3 fatty acids may cause, among other things, dementia due to damage to cerebral myelinated fibers.
• Deficiency of nicotinic acid (pellagra) and pyridoxine may cause spastic paraparesis, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, irritability, and dementia. This syndrome has been seen in prisoner-of-war camps.
• Toxicities known to produce dementias include narcotic poisoning, heavy metal intoxication, dialysis dementia (aluminum), and other organic toxins.
• Low and high thyroid hormone levels.
• Menopause - common symptoms of menopause are decreased memory and concentration.