Cognitive decline occurs as a gradual decline in memory, attention and problem-solving ability, and is a normal part of aging.
But it can also be caused by various medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
It can also be caused by certain lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and social isolation.
Prevention and early diagnosis
Given that diseases of cognitive decline such as dementia are irreversible and effective treatments are limited, preventing or detecting cognitive decline early is critical.
Studies have shown that certain lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet and sleep can affect cognitive function. However, the effect of dietary sodium and potassium on cognitive function is poorly understood.
According to SciTechDaily, citing the KeAi Journal Global Transitions, a recent Chinese study examined the effect of the sodium-potassium and sodium-to-potassium-salt ratio on the cognitive function of a group of elderly people in China.
Sodium bicarbonate
The number of participants was 4213 who were not less than 50 years old, and the results are based on cognitive tests and self-reports of the participants.
The benefits of potassium for memory
The team of researchers also found that a high sodium intake (>5593.2 mg/day) and a high sodium-to-potassium ratio (>3.8/day) increased the risk of memory impairment in the elderly.
Conversely, higher levels of potassium intake (>1653.3 mg/day) were associated with a higher cognitive score.
The average cognitive test score (13.44 at baseline, overall score was 27.00) increased by approximately 1 point when 1000 mg/day of sodium was replaced with an equal amount of potassium.
Expressive heart disease
Cardiovascular health
Based on the results of previous studies, the researchers demonstrated that the effects of dietary sodium, sodium-to-potassium ratio, and potassium levels on cognitive function have the potential to influence health through cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD).
While the link between salt and cognitive abilities occurs as a result of the effect on sleep quality.
Maximum sodium
It is noteworthy that the World Health Organization recommends a maximum of 1400 mg/day of sodium for people between the ages of 50 and 79 years, which is equivalent to 5 g/day of salt, especially since high consumption of salt is usually accompanied by insufficient consumption of potassium, which is equivalent to 1499.0 mg. /day versus the recommended level of 3600 mg/day.