What happens to men who consume too much salt? Study reveals
Dubai: Older men who consume more salt may experience faster memory decline, according to an Australian study that found a possible link between higher sodium intake and deteriorating cognitive performance in men, but not women. The research, led by scientists at Edith Cowan University (ECU) and published in the peer-reviewed journal Neurobiology of Aging, found that men with higher sodium…
Dubai: A recent Australian study suggests that higher salt intake may accelerate memory decline in older men, though no similar link was found in women. Led by Edith Cowan University researchers, the study of 1,208 cognitively unimpaired older adults found that men consuming more sodium experienced a faster decline in episodic memory, the ability to recall personal experiences and everyday details.
The research, published in the Neurobiology of Aging journal, used data from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study to track sodium intake and cognitive performance over six years. While the findings provide preliminary evidence of a relationship between high sodium intake and cognitive health changes, they do not establish a direct causal link.
Researchers noted that excessive sodium may contribute to memory loss through mechanisms like increased neuroinflammation, damaged blood vessels, and reduced blood flow to brain tissue. The World Health Organization recommends limiting daily salt consumption to less than five grams, but many people exceed this limit due to hidden salt in processed and ready-made foods.
The study's lead author called for further research to understand the biological mechanisms behind the association.
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