Alzheimers Dement

Plant-based nitrate tied to lower dementia risk, while animal and water sources signal harm

February 2, 2026

A large Danish cohort study following more than 54,000 adults for ~27 years found that higher plant-sourced nitrate intake was associated with lower dementia risk, with those in the highest vs. lowest intake quintile showing a hazard ratio of 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.98). In contrast, nitrate from animal foods, processed meats, and tap water was associated with increased dementia risk.

Clinical takeaway: Encourage patients to favor vegetable-derived nitrate sources (leafy greens, root vegetables) and limit nitrate-heavy processed meats to support long-term cognitive health.

Source:

Bondonno CP, et al. (2025, December 19). Alzheimers Dement. Source-specific nitrate intake and incident dementia in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41416568/