Trans fat consumption is linked to diminished memory in working-aged adults

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-11/aha-tfc110514.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 18-Nov-2014

Contact: Carrie Thacker
American Heart Association
Trans fat consumption is linked to diminished memory in working-aged adults
American Heart Association Meeting Report Abstract 15572

High trans fat consumption is linked to worse memory among working-age men, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014.

In a recent study of approximately 1,000 healthy men, those who consumed the most trans fats showed notably worse performance on a word memory test. The strength of the association remained even after taking into consideration things like age, education, ethnicity and depression.

"Trans fats were most strongly linked to worse memory, in young and middle-aged men, during their working and career-building years," said Beatrice A. Golomb, M.D., Ph.D., lead author and professor of medicine at the University of California-San Diego. "From a health standpoint, trans fat consumption has been linked to higher body weight, more aggression and heart disease. As I tell patients, while trans fats increase the shelf life of foods, they reduce the shelf life of people."

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