Saturated fat affects memory

[Posted: Sat 19/05/2012 by Caoimhe Moore www.irishhealth.com]

Over time, saturated fat can decrease memory and overall cognitive function in women, according to a new US study.

On the other hand, mono-saturated fat consumption improves memory and cognitive brain function.

Data of 6,000 women over 65 years old from the Woman's Health Study was analysed.

The team found that the total amount of fat intake had no significant effects on cognitive brain function. Whereas the type of fat consumed did according to researchers form the Brigham and Women's Hospital.

After four years of testing, women who consumed high levels of saturated fats rather than low levels had worse cognitive scores and memory recall.

Saturated fats can be found in animal fat products, such as butter and red meat.

Avocados and olive oil are good sources of mono-unsaturated fats. Women who ate these 'good' fats had higher overall memory and cognition.

Replacing saturated fats with mono-unsaturated fats is a simple way to prevent memory decline and can reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease, the researchers said.

This study was published in an online issue of Annals of Neurology, the journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society.

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