Dietary Carbohydrate, Glucose Regulation, and Cognitive Performance in Elderly Persons

Chronic intake patterns during the adult years and the acute ingestion of meals or foods influence cognitive performance in seniors. Many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, which are risk factors for cognitive impairment and/or dementia, share the same dietary risk factors as those for cognitive impairment. Conversely, acute macronutrient and/or food consumption improves performance on cognitive tasks. While consumption of all macronutrients enhances cognitive performance, the benefits of carbohydrate intake appear more sustained in comparison to fat and protein.