Cooking

This study examined how a dyadic cooking intervention could improve well-being and cooking competence in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and their caregivers. Over five weeks, participants attended cooking classes that used step-by-step, accessible methods. Results showed significant improvements in well-being for both older adults and caregivers, as well as increased cooking skills for the older adults. These findings highlight how shared, meaningful activities can enhance mental and emotional health in aging populations.

The Scientific American article explores the hypothesis that cooking was a pivotal step in human evolution, particularly in the development of larger brains. It discusses how cooking increases the caloric availability of food, which may have provided the necessary energy to support the metabolic demands of a growing brain. The article also examines the anatomical changes in early humans, such as smaller teeth and jaws, which align with a diet of softer, cooked foods. While cooking likely played a significant role in human evolution, the article notes that other factors, such as increased meat consumption and social behaviors, also contributed. For modern brain health, the article suggests that a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential, though it does not provide specific dietary recommendations. The information is based on current anthropological research, offering a credible perspective on the evolutionary importance of cooking.

This study explored a computerized cooking task (CT) to measure executive functions like planning, memory, and multitasking in a real-world context. Participants completed tasks of varying difficulty that required managing cooking times and setting tables, mimicking everyday activities. Results showed the CT effectively captured executive functions such as strategy, flexible thinking, and rule adherence, which standard neuropsychological tests often miss. The findings suggest the CT could be a more accurate tool for assessing executive function deficits in both healthy and clinical populations.

This study investigated how a computer-based multitasking cooking task could improve executive function in older adults. Participants practiced managing cooking times and completing a table-setting task simultaneously, targeting skills like planning, memory updating, and task-switching. Results showed improvements in task performance and transfer effects to related cognitive tests, such as sequencing numbers and letters, indicating enhanced executive control. The findings suggest that engaging in structured multitasking activities may boost cognitive flexibility and executive functioning.