High-Salt Diet Linked to Faster Memory Decline in Men, Study Finds

High-Salt Diet Linked to Faster Memory Decline in Men, Study Finds

A new study by researchers at Edith Cowan University has found that a diet high in salt may accelerate memory decline in men, highlighting the growing link between nutrition and long-term brain health.

The study, published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, examined how sodium intake affects cognitive performance over time, particularly episodic memory, which is responsible for recalling personal experiences and everyday events.

Researchers tracked 1,208 adults over a 72-month period, analysing baseline sodium consumption and monitoring changes in cognitive function.

Findings showed that men with higher sodium intake experienced a significantly faster decline in episodic memory compared to those with lower salt consumption. However, the study found no significant association between sodium intake and memory decline in women.

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Episodic memory plays a crucial role in daily life, helping individuals remember routine experiences such as locations, conversations, and important personal events.

Lead researcher Samantha Gardener explained that while the exact biological mechanisms are still being studied, high salt intake may contribute to brain inflammation, vascular damage, and reduced blood flow to the brain, all of which can negatively affect cognitive performance over time.

Sodium is essential for normal body function, but excessive consumption has long been associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke risk, conditions that are also linked to cognitive decline and dementia in later life.

Health experts note that the findings reinforce global dietary recommendations to limit excessive salt intake, particularly as populations age and the burden of neurodegenerative diseases continues to rise.

The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that dietary patterns—such as reduced sodium intake and balanced nutrition—may play an important role in protecting brain health and memory function across the lifespan.

High-Salt Diet Linked to Faster Memory Decline in Men, Study Finds