Whole Grain Consumption Linked to Decreased Memory Decline in Black Individuals, Study Suggests
A recent study published in the online issue of Neurology® on November 22, 2023, has uncovered a potential link between increased consumption of whole grains and a reduced rate of memory decline in Black individuals.
Conducted by researchers from the American Academy of Neurology, the study, however, did not find a similar association among White participants.
While the study emphasizes correlation rather than causation, it raises the intriguing possibility that integrating whole grains into the diet may have cognitive benefits for Black individuals.
Lead author Dr. Liu stated, “These results could assist medical professionals in tailoring diet recommendations.”
Assessing data from 3,326 participants with an average age of 75 over six years, the study included regular evaluations of cognitive function and memory.
Participants completed questionnaires every three years, reporting their frequency of whole grain consumption, and underwent cognitive tests such as word recall and number sequencing.
The findings revealed that among Black individuals, those with the highest intake of whole grains experienced memory decline levels equivalent to being 8.5 years younger than their counterparts with lower consumption.
Participants were divided into five groups based on their whole grain intake, ranging from less than half a serving per day to 2.7 servings per day. Notably, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a minimum of three servings of whole-grain foods daily.
Analysis showed that 67% of Black participants surpassed one serving per day of whole grains, compared to 38% of their White counterparts.
Accounting for factors such as age, sex, education, and smoking, the study found that Black individuals with the highest whole grain intake exhibited a slower cognitive decline rate—0.2 standard deviation units per decade—compared to those with the lowest intake.
Dr. Liu emphasized the need for caution, citing the study’s limitations, particularly its reliance on self-reported data from food frequency questionnaires.
“Further large-scale studies are necessary to validate our findings and to explore the impact of whole grains on cognition in diverse racial groups,” she added.
Supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institutes of Health, this research underscores the potential role of diet in cognitive health, urging additional investigation in diverse populations.
