There is a recent increase in the level of interest in the possible role of dietary
fatty acids in age-related
cognitive decline, and
cognitive impairment of both degenerative (
Alzheimer's disease, AD) or vascular origin. At present, several studies suggested that an increase of
saturated fatty acids (SFA) could have negative effects on cognitive functions. Furthermore, a clear reduction of risk of
cognitive decline has been found in a population sample with a high intake of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and
monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). These findings were confirmed by studies in which high intakes of n-6
PUFA, n-3 PUFA, MUFA, and weekly fish consumption, providing large amount of
n-3 PUFA, appear to be protective against the risk of AD. In our elderly population from Southern Italy, elevated
unsaturated fatty acids intake (MUFA and PUFA), high levels of
antioxidant compounds, and very low SFA intake could act synergistically in improving cognitive performance. Epidemiological studies on the association between diet and
cognitive decline suggested a possible role of
fatty acids intake in maintaining adequate cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or delaying the onset of
dementia, both of degenerative or vascular origin. Appropriate dietary measures or supplementation with specific micro- and macronutrients might open new ways for the prevention and management of
cognitive decline and
dementia.