Does the Mediterranean diet really reduce the risk of dementia?

Previous studies have yielded mixed results about the effects of the Mediterranean diet and dementia risk.

for example, 2018 survey It shows that the progression of Alzheimer’s disease can be delayed by as much as 3.5 years in people following a Mediterranean diet for several years compared to a traditional Western diet.

moreover, 2015 survey suggest that a Mediterranean diet is associated with improved brain function in older adults.

Yet another large Research from 2015 Long-term adherence to a Mediterranean diet and cognitive function in women was examined, and only moderate improvements in cognition were seen. This finding did not show a consistent association with reduced cognitive decline, nor was it associated with reduced risk of dementia.

Various factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and diet are involved in dementia and cognitive decline.

Dana Ellis HannesPhD, MPH, RD, Clinical Dietitian, UCLA Medical Center, Adjunct Professor, UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, “survival recipeThe Mediterranean diet provides a high level of antioxidant An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in plant-based foods that is healthy. monounsaturated fatwhole grains, nuts and seeds.

But nutrition experts say most of the evidence for the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for brain health comes from observational studies. Keith Thomas AyoubEdD, RD, Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City.

“There are clinical trials that PREDIMED Researchactually getting people to eat extra virgin olive oil and nuts every day (consumed and eaten at home) has been shown to benefit cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of other conditions such as type 2 diabetes When high blood pressureAyoob told Healthline.

“This type of clinical study is difficult to do for dementia. It is very time-consuming and measuring compliance in free-living people is always precarious.”

The Mediterranean diet encourages consumption of nutrient-rich whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish, as well as reducing the amount of foods high in saturated fat.

of mind diet (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Delayed Neurodegeneration) is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and dash diet (diet to stop high blood pressure). It focuses on weekly consumption of foods such as beans, berries, nuts, whole grains and leafy greens, and recommends low-fat and fat-free dairy products.

Both the Mediterranean and MIND diets promote physical activity and support heart health and high blood pressure prevention.

The dietary pattern is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. Both diets may help prevent oxidative damage to blood vessels and reduce the risk of dementia, Ayoob said.

However Research Supports the MIND Diet To improve brain health in older people, Ayoob pointed out. Of course, not all studies support this claim, as nothing is infallible in research.

The Mediterranean and MIND diets may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, but neither diet guarantees protection against dementia or other chronic diseases, according to Ayoob.

In contrast to previous research showing that the Mediterranean diet may help lower the risk of dementia, new research suggests otherwise.

In any case, the study authors say more vigorous research is needed.

Nutritionists agree that following the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, but other factors, such as genetics and lifestyle, play a role in cognitive decline and the development of dementia. A person’s diet is not always sufficient to provide a protective effect.

If you’re an older adult at risk for cognitive decline and are interested in how diet, lifestyle, and genetics influence what you can do to maintain and potentially improve your brain health. It is recommended that you consult your doctor about