Associations of dietary choline intake with risk of incident dementia and with cognitive performance: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study

Year Published: 2019

Am J Clin Nutr

Ylilauri MPT, Voutilainen S, Lönnroos E, Virtanen HEK, Tuomainen TP, Salonen JT, Virtanen JK

This study looked at the relationship between dietary choline intake and risk of dementia and cognitive performance in 2,497 men in Finland (42-60 years old, 1984-1989). Choline is a nutrient found in peanuts, eggs, peas, spinach, and other foods. Choline also helps to make phosphatidylcholine, a key component of cell membranes.

Key Findings: Results of the study showed that participants who had the highest consumption of phosphatidylcholine had a 28% lower risk of dementia than those who consumed the lowest amount. Total choline and phosphatidylcholine intake were associated with better verbal fluency and memory.