Midlife diet impacts brain health in older age

A new study from Oxford University and others shows that diet quality and waist-to-hip ratio in midlife are linked to brain health in older age. Healthier diets and lower abdominal fat improve memory and cognitive function later in life. The research analyzed data from over 10,000 participants in the Whitehall II Study. It found that better diets, rich in fruits and vegetables, lead to stronger brain connectivity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. Higher waist-to-hip ratios were associated with weakened brain function. The study emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices in midlife for long-term brain health. It suggests that maintaining a healthy diet and body composition can help preserve cognitive abilities as people age.