The relation of dietary choline to cognitive performance and white-matter hyperintensity in the Framingham Offspring Cohort
Key Finding
Higher choline intake is associated with better memory performance and healthier brain structure in adults.
Plain-English Summary
This large observational study examined the relationship between dietary choline intake and cognitive performance in 1,391 dementia-free participants from the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Researchers assessed choline intake and performed comprehensive cognitive testing.
Results showed that higher choline intake was associated with better cognitive performance across multiple domains. Participants with higher choline consumption performed significantly better on tests of verbal memory and visual memory. The association remained significant even after adjusting for other dietary factors and cardiovascular risk factors.
Additionally, higher choline intake was associated with lower white-matter hyperintensity volume on brain MRI scans, suggesting better brain structure integrity. These findings support the importance of adequate choline intake for maintaining cognitive health. Alpha-GPC is a highly bioavailable form of choline commonly used in supplements to support cognitive function.