Cognitive Benefits of Nutrition: Aligning Perceptions with the Science
Virtual, Webinar
June 20, 2024
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Consumers report that cognitive and affective outcomes (such as mood) are key motivations for dietary behaviors. However, the cognitive benefits that patients and consumers seek can be highly individual and may be described in different ways. In addition, these benefits may or may not be impacted by the dietary behavior that they choose to implement. Understanding the specific short- and long-term benefits individuals are expecting is important both for conducting experimental research and for developing and communicating evidence-based nutrition recommendations related to cognitive health.
In this session, qualitative research investigating the perceptions of individuals that seek out foods and other products for “brain benefits” will be presented. Speakers will then describe the degree to which these consumer-articulated “benefits” can be demonstrated using validated cognitive research tools. This work points to connections and disconnects between benefits that individuals seek, the effects they report, and what science demonstrates is possible in the realm of foods, nutrients, supplements and cognitive benefits. It also provides opportunities for education on the science base.
Panelists:
Linda Snetselaar, PhD RD, University of Iowa
Hayley A. Young, PhD, Swansea University
Alyssa Ghirardelli, MPH RD, National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago
IAFNS is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provider with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Pending approval, this webinar awards 1 Continuing Professional Education Unit (CPEU) in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
This program is organized by the IAFNS Cognitive Health Committee.