How It Works

As we age, our risk of dementia increases. Misfolded proteins in the brain called amyloid plaques and tangles form between nerve cells. They interfere with thinking and problem solving. This increases our risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers at Rush University Medical Center showed that older adults may benefit from following the MIND Diet, even if they have existing amyloid plaques on the brain.

The paper’s lead author explained, “Some people have enough plaques and tangles in their brains to have a postmortem diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, but they do not develop clinical dementia in their lifetime.” They believe protection from healthy food explains why some people don’t develop Alzheimer’s, despite having plaques.