This New Study Connects Inflammation To Brain Problems Later In Life

Inflammation can sometimes seem like a mysterious force causing all sorts of health issues, but there's all sorts of science explaining how it can cause fatigue1, poor digestion2, and even mood disorders3. This time, however, researchers found a new connection to cognitive decline.

Researchers found those who live with chronic inflammation have worse memory and thinking skills compared to those that don't have it. The study, which was released on Thursday in Neurology, followed over 12,000 adults of an average age of 57 for 20 years, measuring their cognitive skills at the beginning of the study, in the middle, and at the end. Researchers also took note of certain inflammation markers in the blood.

Those with high levels of inflammation showed an 8 to 12 percent decline in cognitive skills over time, with memory skills taking the worst hit. Researchers even controlled for other factors like education and heart health, so inflammation was truly pinned as the culprit.

So it's clear that living with inflammation spells trouble. But how can you even tell if you have it? Inflammation is no stranger to variety, as it rears its head in a million different ways.

Battling this biological beast starts with your diet. Incorporation of inflammation-fighting foods like leafy greens, heart-healthy fats, or turmeric will help calm things down over time. It's best to avoid foods that will trigger your immune response—top offenders include sugar, gluten, and highly processed oils.