A recent research carried out by Canadian researchers has suggested that excessive salt consumption in the routine diet contributes significantly to affect cognitive health.

To conclude the findings, experts have tracked around 1,300 healthy men and women, aged between 67 and 84 along with their salt intake and physical activity for three years. Consequently, they observed those individuals who have consumed the highest levels of sodium, 3,091 milligrams a day and greater, along with minimum levels of exercises, were more likely to reflect reduced cognitive performance as compared to people who had a low sodium intake and followed an active lifestyle.

"We have generated important evidence that sodium intake not only impacts heart health, but brain health as well. The results of our study showed that a diet high in sodium, combined with little exercise, was especially detrimental to the cognitive performance of older adults”, added the lead study author, Dr. Alexandra Fiocco, of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.

While commenting on the findings, a dementia expert at the University of California-San Francisco, Deborah Barnes, has stressed on the need of consuming good amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and suggested to avoid processed foods.