Behavioral change in fruit and vegetable consumption and associated cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults

Abstract

Aim: This study examined changes in fruit and vegetable consumption frequency and their associations with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults. Findings: Older adults who shifted from non-daily to daily consumption of vegetables had lower odds of developing worsening cognitive impairment compared to those who maintained their consumption frequency. However, changes in fruit consumption from daily to non-daily or non-daily to daily were associated with lower probability of deterioration in cognitive health from normal cognitive function to mild–moderate cognitive impairment. Message: Increasing the frequency of vegetable consumption may serve as a preventive strategy for reducing cognitive impairment in older adults. Further research is warranted to explore the potential effects of changes in fruit consumption.