26 August,2011 04:40 PM IST | | AFP
In addition to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease, a diet high in salt coupled with a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to cognitive decline in older adults, a new study shows.
In what they claim is the first of its kind, researchers at Baycrest, an affiliate of the University of Toronto, followed the salt consumption of 1,262 healthy adults ages 67-84 living in Quebec over three years.
They found that those who consumed salt-laden foods and led inactive, sedentary lifestyles performed poorly on cognitive tests -- modified Mini-Mental State Examinations -- compared to those who led active lifestyles and consumed more moderate amounts of salt.
The study was published online this week in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, ahead of print publication.
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The results of the study are particularly significant, researchers say, given the aging baby boomer population.
"These data are especially relevant as we know that munching on high-salt processed snacks when engaged in sedentary activities, such as watching TV or playing in front of the computer, is a frequent pastime for many adults," said senior author Dr. Carol Greenwood in a statement. "This study addresses an additional risk associated with lifestyles that are highly apparent in North American populations."
Educating people about lifestyle changes that can delay or prevent age-related cognitive decline is a powerful tool in public health, she added.
The study also showed that cognitive decline stopped once participants adopted low-sodium diets.
The maximum daily recommended salt intake for people aged 14 years and older in Canada is 2,300 mg. In their study, some participants reported consuming nearly quadruple that number, at 8,098 mg a day.
It's not just older people who need to watch their salt intake. Another study out of the UK last month found that parents are feeding their babies too much salt -- an act that can damage their kidneys and prematurely give the tots a taste for salty foods.
For children ages one to three, the maximum daily salt intake is 0.8 mg.
To cut back on salt intake, the Mayo Clinic advises eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods, opting for low sodium foods and using fresh herbs to flavor meals.
