Could a Mediterranean Diet and Exercise Reduce Dementia Risk?

A study about to get underway at the University of East Anglia (UEA) seeks to determine a Mediterranean-style diet's effects on brain function and dementia risk, in combination with exercise, reports Medical Xpress . The researchers aim to change the dietary and exercise habits of more than 60 volunteers over 24 weeks. "Over the past 10 years, scientists have identified that a Mediterranean Diet and taking regular exercise improve cognition and are associated with a lower risk of dementia," said UEA Professor Anne-Marie Minihane. "However, more evidence is needed from human studies conducted in U.K. adults." The researchers are looking for volunteers between 55 and 74, with no diagnosis of dementia, but who may be noticing memory decline. "The study will involve cognitive tests, a magnetic resonance imaging brain scan, providing a small number of blood samples, keeping a food record, wearing an activity monitor on your wrist, and attending group sessions," Minihane announced.