Healthy Diets May Protect Against Dementia

Several studies suggest a varied dietary plan in middle age can reduce the risk of developing dementia later on, reports News-Medical . One report published in Neurology examined participants following a Mediterranean-style diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, and A Priori Diet Quality Scores; adherents to the first two diets exhibited the best cognitive health at 50 to 55 years, versus the third. Those diets have heavy components of monounsaturated fats, legumes, protein, fiber, and micronutrients such as thiamine, folate, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. The Western diet is heavy in trans and saturated fats, highly processed vegetables and other foods, along with refined sugar and salt. The Mediterranean-style diet is rich in whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, with little processed meat, red meat, trans or saturated fats, and refined sugars. A second study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found participants exhibited improved endurance-related performance when following a Mediterranean-style diet compared to a conventional Western diet. The suggestion is the former diet is more alkaline, has anti-inflammatory properties, contains nitrates, and is high in antioxidants. A third study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia focusing on Australians' eating habits found a brain-healthy diet was connected to the same reduction of risk for cognitive decline in later life.