Since dementia is irreversible and effective treatments are limited, preventing and detecting cognitive decline early on is crucial.

Studies have shown that certain lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, and sleep can affect cognitive function.

Abbreviations: Q1-Q4, quartile 1-quartile 4; OR, odds ratios; CI, confidence interval; and BMI, body mass index.

In addition, the researchers built on previous studies by demonstrating that the effects of dietary sodium, sodium to potassium ratio, and potassium on cognitive function have the potential to be mediated by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD), while the link between salt and cognitive function can be mediated by sleep.

This high salt intake is commonly accompanied by insufficient consumption of potassium (1499.0 mg/day in this study vs. the Chinese recommended level of 3600 mg/day).

Given our results and the nutritional situation of the Chinese, it will be important for future studies to focus on determining the optimal ratio of dietary sodium and potassium in the elderly.