Andrew Smyth

We were interested in looking at this particular group who have a high risk for cardiovascular disease because they are also going to have a high risk of cognitive decline, previous research has suggested that a Mediterranean diet -- rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats -- is associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment. We've also seen preliminary research suggesting that eating vitamin C and folate-rich vegetables like spinach and broccoli may slow cognitive decline. Other research has suggested that blueberries may boost memory, and that a high intake of saturated and trans fats can have negative effects. So it's no surprise that to me that the healthiest eaters in this study fared the best in terms of their cognitive health.

For example, if participants consumed the standard dietary recommendations for fruits and vegetables per day, they would get a high score in that category. The reverse happens for unhealthy food choices.

We just wanted to look at a diverse cohort of people from all around the world and analyze what their risk for cognitive decline would be if they consumed what most organizations would consider a 'healthy diet'.