How a Nordic diet helps

STICKING to a traditional Nordic diet could help fight off dementia.

The diet is high in fish, nonroot vegetables, fruit, rice and chicken, washed down with plenty of water and tea. In good news for drinkers, the diet also allows a light to moderate amount of wine.

A study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden looked to see whether the diet, in which people should avoid root vegetables, refined grains, butter, sugar and fruit juice, affected brain function.

They found that being even relatively good at sticking to the diet was linked with a smaller decline in memory and thinking skills.