Fatty foods eaten during midlife may hasten cognitive decline in later life. Researchers from Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study evaluated cognitive function of almost 1,500 women with type 2 diabetes. Increased intake of saturated and trans fats during midlife was associated with worse cognitive decline. The study also showed that a higher polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat ratio was beneficial for cognitive function. Researchers administered multiple cognitive tests over several years to assess cognitive status.

Devore EE, Stampfer MJ, Breteler MMB, et al. Dietary fat intake and cognitive decline in women with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2009;32:635-640.

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