Mediterranean diet may help cut risk of dementia

Nutrient-rich diet can help keep the brain healthy

A Mediterranean-style diet which is rich in oily fish, fresh vegetables and nuts could help cut the risk of dementia, research suggests.

New studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London examined links between diet and dementia and found that following a nutrient-rich diet helps keep the brain healthy.

In a study on almost 6,000 people, led by the University of California at San Francisco, scientists found that those who stuck the closest to a Mediterranean or similar diet over the course of a year were 30% to 35% less likely to have low scores on cognitive tests than those who did not stick to such a diet.

This was even after taking into account factors such as smoking, exercise, overall health and socio-economic status.

Claire McEvoy, co-author of the research, said the benefits of healthy eating seem to exist on a sliding scale.

“Even moderate adherence to these high-quality dietary patterns showed a protective association with cognitive function,” she said.

Dr Maria Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, said the study showed that changing your dietary pattern “really is quite impactful”.

She told Fox Business: “You can change your trajectory of cognitive decline if you are adherent, for example, to Mediterranean diets or other diets that are low in saturated fats, low in processed flour and processed sugar.

“Good fats are important. Fats found in fish and good meats, as opposed to red meats, are all very good for your brain.”

She said another study from Columbia University had shown that poor nutrition may increase inflammation in the body and lead to brain shrinkage.

She said: “People who perhaps eat a lot of junk food and processed foods may end up having less brain cognition over time as they age and may actually have smaller brains.”

A Mediterranean diet includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil and whole grains, while being low in red and processed meat, and with alcohol kept to a minimum.

People who are considered to get maximum benefit from the diet have less than one alcoholic drink a day for women, or one to two for men.

They also eat several servings of fruit and vegetables per day, one serving of wholegrains and up to four servings of fish per week.

Picture: PA. Research suggests fats found in fish and good meats, as opposed to red meats, are good for your brain.