Nuts consumption and cognitive function

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairments has become a global public concern. A limited number of studies suggest a positive association between nuts intake and cognitive function. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between nuts consumption and cognitive function and to test whether hypertension and diabetes mediate this association among adults in Qatar. Methods: Data from 1000 participants aged 20 and above who attended Qatar Biobank (QBB) were used. Nuts consumption was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were measured for magnesium and glucose. Cognitive function was assessed using computer self-administrated test to measure Mean Reaction Time (MRT). Linear regression was used to assess the association. Results: A total of 21.1% of the sample reported consuming nuts more than 4-6 times/week (high consumption) while 40.2% reported the consumption ≤1 time/month (low consumption). The mean MRT was 715.6 millisecond (SD 204.1). An inverse association was found between nuts consumption and MRT. Compared with those with a low consumption, high consumption of nuts had a regression coefficient of -36.95 (-68.09 to -5.82) after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The inverse association between nuts and MRT was mainly seen among those aged >50 years. There was an interaction between nuts consumption and hypertension. The association between nuts consumption and MRT was not mediated via hypertension, diabetes, and serum magnesium. Conclusion: There is a positive association between nuts consumption and cognitive function, especially among old adults.