According to new research, high sodium intake may impair factual memory—the type of memory that helps people recall specific personal experiences and events from the past.
A new study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging suggests that excessive salt consumption may be a factor contributing to faster memory decline in men.
On April 15th, Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia cited research indicating that high sodium intake may impair factual memory – the type of memory that helps people recall specific personal experiences and events from the past, such as parking locations or memories of their first day of school.
By monitoring 1,208 volunteers over 72 months, researchers found that men who consumed more sodium experienced a significantly faster rate of decline in factual memory than normal, while this association was not found in women.
Although sodium is essential for physiological functions and closely linked to maintaining bodily activity, research confirms that excessive consumption is always associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
According to lead researcher Dr. Samantha Gardener, while the exact molecular mechanisms are still being investigated, experts believe that high salt levels may cause brain inflammation, damage blood vessels, and reduce blood flow to the brain.
This result once again reflects the importance of choosing the right foods for brain health, as well as adjusting eating habits to protect long-term cognitive function.