2026 JAMA Study Links DASH Diet to 41% Lower Cognitive Decline Risk
Updated
Updated · The Times of India · Jun 28
2026 JAMA Study Links DASH Diet to 41% Lower Cognitive Decline Risk
1 articles · Updated · The Times of India · Jun 28
Summary
A 2026 JAMA Neurology analysis of more than 159,000 people found strict DASH diet adherence was associated with a 41% lower risk of self-reported cognitive decline.
The report points to an overall eating pattern—not single “superfoods”—centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, low sodium and minimal ultra-processed food.
Omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel stand out because EPA and DHA help curb neuroinflammation; a 2024 study tied eating fatty fish at least six times monthly to better cognitive test scores.
Plant foods also feature heavily: berries, leafy greens, nuts and legumes supply polyphenols, vitamins and fiber, while a 2025 Neurology study linked swapping one daily serving of processed red meat for legumes or nuts to about 20% lower dementia risk.
The broader takeaway aligns DASH with Mediterranean and MIND diets, which multiple 2024–2025 analyses associated with 11% to 53% lower dementia or Alzheimer’s risk.