Eating walnuts may improve performance on cognitive function tests, including those for memory, concentration and information processing speed, could prove important as the aging population has been targeted with concerns of escalating diagnoses of dementia.

Though this study was not a cause and effect investigation, it is the first large representative analysis of walnut intake and cognitive function.

“It is exciting to see the strength of the evidence from this analysis across the U.S. population supporting the previous results of animal studies that have shown the neuroprotective benefit from eating walnuts; and it’s a realistic amount, less than a handful per day (13 grams),” said study lead Lenore Arab, Ph.D.

“The study adds to a growing body of research surrounding walnuts’ positive effect on reducing cognitive impairment and overall brain health, which includes the possible beneficial effects of slowing or preventing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in mouse models,” Arab said.

“It isn’t every day that research results in such simple advice: Eating a handful of walnuts daily as a snack, or as part of a meal, can help improve your cognitive health.”