Optimizing Cognitive Function with Foods, Nutrients, and Dietary Patterns: The Science and the Translation
Virtual, Event
August 8, 2023
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
COVID-19 and the associated societal and lifestyle disruptions have highlighted interest in how nutrition can support cognitive health. The 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) addressed several questions related to neurocognition, but was faced with “considerable variation in testing methods, inconsistent validity and reliability of cognitive testing methods, and differences between dietary patterns and cognitive outcomes examined,” precluding the ability to develop dietary recommendations. At the same time, several recent studies are providing new insights into nutrients and dietary patterns that may impact cognition. In this session, the complexities of nutrition and cognition research will first be reviewed, to include the various options for, strengths, and limitations of cognitive performance measures. New data capturing how individuals describe the benefits they are seeking from foods and nutrients, and alignment (or misalignment) of these terms with what research can demonstrate was presented. Second, the Nutrition for Dementia Working Group reviewed their recent recommendations for advancing our understanding of dietary patterns that can support dementia prevention. Finally, practical guidance for optimizing cognitive health with nutrition was provided, considering the current evidence and common consumer expectations for benefits, while aligning with the DGA and considering food accessibility and cultural needs.
Panel:
Bramaramba Kowtha, MS RDN, NIH/Office of Disease Prevention – Moderator
Hayley Young, PhD, Swansea University
Hussein Yassine, MD, USC
Suzanne Summer, PhD RD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
IAFNS is an Approved Provider by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR-credentialed practitioners receive 1.25 CEUs for the live or recorded versions of this webinar.