Cognitive Effects of Almond Consumption: A Review of Animal Studies

Aim and Background: Learning and memory are fundamental processes essential to human cognition. Memory disorders can greatly impact cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. Synthetic drugs are not always completely effective in the treatment of memory disorders and can have diverse side effects. As a result, the use of plants for treating various diseases, including those related to memory disorders, is common. Almond is a highly nutritious nut and has been used as a traditional remedy for a long time. They contain active compounds that have numerous biological effects on the entire body, particularly the nervous system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review animal studies that have investigated the effects of almond intake on memory and its related disorders. Methods: In this study, a comprehensive search in several databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library was performed. The study included published articles featuring preclinical studies conducted on healthy animals or models with memory impairments. These studies employed specific controlled groups and evaluated memory-related parameters through behavioral tests or molecular investigations. Eleven original papers that met the criteria were selected from a total of 1190 identified articles and included in the study. Results: Almond consumption has been shown to have beneficial effects on learning and memory in healthy animals. Additionally, evidence suggests that consuming almonds can positively impact scopolamine-, cadmium-, chronic stress-, and high-fat diet-induced memory impairment in animal models. Conclusion: Based on available evidence, consuming dietary supplementation of almonds may have a significant role in brain processes, specifically the neuromodulatory systems. Consequently, incorporating almonds into one's diet could potentially enhance memory function, making them a readily available and useful natural resource with both nutritional and therapeutic benefits.