Eating a Mediterranean Diet Can Reduce the Risk of Dementia by 23%, Study Finds
Researchers have discovered that following a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, nuts, and seafood, can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study, conducted in the UK with over 60,300 participants over the age of 40, analyzed their dietary habits over a 24-hour period.
Positive Results for Mediterranean Diet
Out of the participants, those who scored highest on adhering to the Mediterranean diet were found to be 23% less likely to develop dementia compared to others. This diet is believed to effectively reduce inflammation in both the body and brain, which plays a significant role in the development of dementia.
Dr. Claire McEvoy, co-author of the study from Queen’s University Belfast, emphasized the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle in protecting memory and cognitive abilities as people age. She stated, “Eating more vegetables and fruit, fish, and olive oil, while reducing the consumption of processed foods, sugary foods, and red meat, may help reduce the risk of developing dementia in the future.”
Consideration of Other Factors
The researchers also took into account various factors such as age, sleep levels, and exercise, which may influence the risk of developing dementia. Additionally, the study accounted for the possibility that individuals in the early stages of dementia may neglect to consume healthy foods, potentially leading to the misconception that poor diets cause dementia.
However, the positive results persisted in those followed for the longest period of the study, making it less likely that the disease itself caused the unhealthy eating habits.
Genetic Risk and Mediterranean Diet
Another study conducted by Newcastle University, published in the journal BMC Medicine, revealed that even individuals with a higher genetic risk of developing dementia experienced a lower risk when following a Mediterranean diet. This research considered a detailed profile of nearly a quarter of a million genetic variations associated with dementia.
Source: Daily Mail
