DASH Diet Linked to Better Cognitive Function and Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology indicates that adherence to healthy dietary patterns, particularly the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, is associated with improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline. The research, utilizing data from long-term health studies, highlights the potential of dietary interventions as a strategy for maintaining brain health throughout midlife and beyond.

Study Details and Findings

Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, spanning from 1986 to 2017. The study included 159,347 participants with a mean age of 44 years (82.6% women). Six dietary patterns were assessed for their impact on subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and objective cognitive function.

These dietary patterns included:

• DASH-style diet
• Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI)
• Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010)
• Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI)
• Reversed empirical dietary indices for hyperinsulinemia (rEDIH)
• Reversed empirical dietary indices for inflammatory pattern (rEDIP)

Results showed that higher adherence to all six diets was linked to a decreased risk of SCD. The DASH-style diet demonstrated the most significant effect, reducing the risk by 41% (RR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.57-0.62). The DASH diet also showed the strongest association with better cognitive function (mean z score difference = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02-0.09).

Food Groups and Cognitive Outcomes

Specific food groups were identified as playing a role in cognitive health. Increased consumption of leafy greens, yellow and other vegetables, fruits, fish, wine, salad dressing, and tea were associated with better cognitive outcomes. Conversely, higher intake of fried potatoes, red and processed meats, sugary drinks, eggs, nuts, and seeds were linked to worse cognitive outcomes.

Potential Mechanisms

While the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, researchers suggest that the benefits of the DASH diet may be related to blood pressure control. The study authors noted that the findings align with existing literature on the cognitive benefits of managing hypertension. The role of insulin and inflammatory pathways in cognitive health was also supported by the results related to the rEDIH and rEDIP diets.

Study Limitations

The researchers acknowledged certain limitations, including the self-reported nature of SCD, which may be subject to bias. The study cohort primarily consisted of white, highly educated healthcare professionals, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Implications for Brain Health

Despite these limitations, the study reinforces the importance of healthy eating as a component of midlife brain health strategies. The findings encourage further research to develop and implement scalable programs that promote healthy dietary habits for cognitive well-being.

Source: Chen H, et al. JAMA Neurol. 2026; doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0062.