Dietary fat consumption and the development of dementia later in the life are closely related, several studies suggest. The risk, however is more dependent of the type of fat consumed rather than the amount of dietary fat. This study was conducted by the psychiatric department of the Harvard University. Here is a detailed report on the study.The Study
Scientists conducted the research on 6,183 women over the age of 65. The women were asked to track their fat consumption and subsequent changes in their mental abilities over a period of 4 years. The women completed a food questionnaire at the start of the study and then periodically took tests of mental ability.
Method of Study
The researchers assigned a 'change score' to each volunteer, summarizing changes in memory and abstract thinking over time - the lower the score, the greater the decline. The study appeared in the journal Annals of Neurology.
Results and Analysis
After controlling for many health and socioeconomic factors, the researchers found that women who consumed the most saturated fat were 60% more like to get dementia later in their life when compared to those who consumed the least to have change score that put them below the 10th percentile.
On the other hand, women who reported consuming more monounsaturated fat were 44% less likely to have change scores in lowest one-tenth.
Consumption of polyunsaturated fats and trans fats was not associated with any change, nor was total fat thus indicating the dependence of the risk of dementia on the type of fat rather than the amount.
"People might consider making changes or substitutions in their diet, switching out saturated fats in favor of monounsaturated fats" said the lead author, Dr. Olivia I. Okereke.
Good Sources of Monounsaturated Fats
- Red Meat
- Whole Milk Products
- Nuts (Walnuts)
- High fat fruits like Avocados and Olives
- Beef (Tallow)
- Popcorn
- Whole Grain Wheat
- Oatmeal
- Cereal
