The Soy Connection for Health Professionals
The Soy Connection Newsletter | Fall 2025 - Vol 33, No 4 Fueling Brain Function: How Diet Shapes Cognitive Health
In This Issue:
The fall issue of Soy Connection’s health & nutrition newsletter explores the vital role nutrition plays in supporting brain health across the lifespan. As populations around the world age, understanding how lifestyle factors—particularly diet—influence cognitive decline is more important than ever. Research shows that healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean and Nordic diets, are generally associated with a lower risk of dementia and improved cognitive performance. Emerging evidence also highlights the potential cognitive benefits from isoflavones found in soy foods, which provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Plant-forward diets that include soy have been linked to improved brain health and reduced cognitive decline. In this issue, leading experts examine the science behind these connections and emphasize how adopting a healthy, protein-rich diet early in life may help protect cognitive function with age.
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Feeding the Mind: Cognitive Effects of Soy
By Ajla Bristina, BS and Naiman Khan, PhD, RD
What you need to know:
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Nutrition plays a role in brain function: Dietary components such as monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens are key nutrients and bioactive compounds that may play a role in supporting brain health.
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Soy foods and isoflavones show promise for promoting cognitive wellness: They support memory, attention, and mental flexibility through their interaction with estrogen receptors in key brain regions.
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Continued research is needed to unlock the full potential of soy: Clarifying soy’s role in supporting cognitive development in children and adults can help shape future dietary guidelines for optimal brain health.
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How Diet May Help Slow Age-Related Cognitive Decline
By Mark Messina, PhD, MS
What you need to know:
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Diet and reduced cognitive decline: Growing research links healthy dietary patterns—such as the Mediterranean and Nordic diets—to a reduced risk of dementia and improved cognitive function; particularly when adopted early in life.
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Plant protein and brain health: Higher protein intake, specifically from plant sources, may help lower the risk of cognitive decline.
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Soy and isoflavones: Intriguing evidence suggests soy foods, good sources of plant protein and isoflavones, may support cognitive function in aging—particularly among postmenopausal women.
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Best Foods for Brain Health
By Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN, RD, CSSD
What you need to know:
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Soy and fish may support cognitive function: Soy is a source of isoflavones and choline for memory and anti-inflammatory benefits; fatty fish supply omega-3s essential for brain function.
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Nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate may enhance cognitive resilience: A source of essential fats, vitamin E, and flavonoids, these foods may support brain protection, blood flow, and improved memory.
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Hydration is critical for brain performance: Even mild dehydration impairs focus and mood, making adequate water intake vital for maintaining brain structure and function.
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