Unprocessed meat protects against cognitive decline in older adults: Meat Consumption and Cognitive Health by APOE Genotype

Key Points

Question  Is higher meat consumption associated with better cognitive health among individuals with APOE genotypes ε3/ε4 and ε4/ε4, and does this association differ from that observed in other genotypes?

Findings  In this cohort study among 2157 older adults without dementia, higher total meat consumption was associated with slower cognitive decline and a reduced dementia risk among older adults with APOE ε3/ε4 and ε4/ε4 genotypes. Interactions by APOE genotype were observed for trajectories of global cognition and episodic memory.

Meaning  These findings suggest that higher meat consumption than conventionally recommended may be associated with benefits in a genetically defined subgroup comprising approximately one-quarter of the global population.

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