A new study indicates that the Mediterranean diet—rich in nuts, seafood, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables—may help reduce the risk of dementia by nearly 25%.
According to The Guardian, the research reveals that a plant-based diet offers protective benefits against dementia, regardless of genetic risk factors. Scientists suggest that if these findings are further explored, they could inform future public health strategies.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto).
Janice Ranson, a co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Exeter, stated: “These findings highlight the long-term health benefits of the brain when adopting a Mediterranean diet, which is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Therefore, this could be a suitable choice for those looking to adopt a healthy diet and reduce their risk of dementia.”
The new findings were published in BMC Medicine, based on data from health records and lifestyle information from over half a million people in the UK. Researchers analyzed each individual’s risk of developing dementia based on two factors: adherence to the Mediterranean diet and genetic risk.
The results showed that over nearly a decade, there were 882 cases of dementia; however, those who strictly followed the Mediterranean diet had a 23% lower risk of developing the condition compared to others.
Dr. Oliver Shannon, a lecturer in nutrition and aging at Newcastle University and the lead author of the study, emphasized that finding ways to reduce the risk of dementia is a top priority for public health.
“Dementia affects the lives of millions of people worldwide, and currently, there are very few options for treating this condition,” he said.
Susan Mitchell, head of the Alzheimer’s Research UK organization, agreed that the study is intriguing, but it needs to be expanded to include individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, especially since dementia is often stigmatized in certain communities.
“There is no sure way to prevent dementia. There is a lot of evidence suggesting that a balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. However, the evidence for specific diets is much less clear,” she noted.
