Consumption of a diet high in fat and sugar is associated with worse spatial navigation ability in a virtual environment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Western diet is rich in saturated fats and refined sugars. Overconsumption of this diet can lead to obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular disease, as well as certain types of cancers. Evidence suggests that this diet also has adverse effects on cognitive function. Regular consumption of fats and sugars is associated with faster rates of age-related cognitive decline in middle age and older adults. Experimental studies using rodent models show that diets high in fats and sugars can impair brain functions, particularly in the hippocampus, affecting spatial learning and memory.

Methods

The current study tested the relationship between diet and spatial navigation ability in people using a virtual reality maze. Accurate performance in the maze requires participants

SUBMITTER: Tran DMD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12283396 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature