Can the Mediterranean Diet Improve Memory and Reduce the Incidence of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in older people? The science supports this hypothesis.
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The rising prevalence of cognitive disorders underscores the importance of understanding the relationship between diet and cognitive health. The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is the most extensively studied diet and has decades of positive clinical research confirming its protective effects against various metabolic diseases. This post examines the impact of diet on cognitive decline.
A recent (2024) study found that adherence to the MeDi in individuals over 60 years old reduced the risk of all types of dementia by 11% and Alzheimer’s disease by 27%. This suggests that the MeDi could help prevent many dementia cases, promoting cognitive health in ageing populations.
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 cohort studies and five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that high adherence to the MeDi was associated with a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease. In the RCTs, higher adherence was linked to better episodic and working memory.
In a 2020 study by the University of Edinburgh, over 500 adults aged 79 without dementia were tested for cognitive skills and dietary habits. Those adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet, particularly one rich in green leafy vegetables and low in red meat, showed better cognitive functioning. MRI scans of more than 350 participants supported these findings.
In conclusion
The Mediterranean diet shows significant promise in improving cognitive health and reducing the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies demonstrate that high adherence is associated with an 11% reduction in the risk of all types of dementia and a 27% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm that the MeDi lowers the risk of mild cognitive impairment and enhances memory function.
The diet’s emphasis on fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fish, lean meat, yoghurt and healthy fats and minimal processed foods, offers protective benefits against cognitive decline.
Promoting the Mediterranean diet could be a vital public health strategy to enhance cognitive health and reduce the burden of dementia in aging populations.
References:
1. Nucci, D., Sommariva, A., Degoni, L.M. et al. Association between Mediterranean diet and dementia and Alzheimer disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Aging Clin Exp Res 36, 77 (2024).
2. Association between the Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Health among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front. Nutr., 28 July 2022, Sec. Nutritional Epidemiology, Volume 9 – 2022.
3. Janie Corley, Simon R. Cox, et al. Dietary patterns, cognitive function, and structural neuroimaging measures of brain aging. Experimental Gerontology, 2020; 142.