Meal-specific dietary patterns relate to memory functioning

Abstract

This research addresses a critical gap in our understanding of how specific meals consumed during the day relate to cognitive function, particularly memory performance. While numerous studies have explored overall dietary patterns, few have considered the isolated effects of specific meals. Across two studies, we investigated subjective and objective measures of memory in relation to dietary habits and meal-specific consumption among adults aged 20 to 90 years. In Study 1, individuals consuming higher amounts of foods with potential adverse health effects, especially during supper, reported significantly poorer subjective memory functioning. Cheese consumption at supper emerged as the strongest predictor, with frequent cheese eaters rating their memory performance noticeably worse. Study 2 extended these findings by examining objective memory performance. Both Western-style and animal-based suppers were independently associated with poorer episodic recognition memory, with the strongest negative effects observed in younger adults. Detailed analysis revealed milk-based products and sweets as the most detrimental supper components for episodic recognition memory performance. Contrary to expectations, adherence to plant-based diet did not mitigate the negative effects of unhealthy supper choices on cognitive function. Our findings emphasize the importance of meal-specific dietary analysis. Recognizing meal-specific patterns may provide a more accurate understanding of how individual meals are associated with overall diet quality and cognitive functioning.

Keywords: cognitive function; episodic recognition memory; evening eating patterns; meal-specific dietary analysis; western-style diet.