New Funding for Research on Dementia and MedDiet

Australia's National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has awarded scientists about $1.2 million to study the role of a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and exercise in preventing the onset of dementia, reports Olive Oil Times . A clinical trial at Swinburne University will explore the underlying factors of why a MedDiet regimen combined with regular exercise could reduce cognitive decline and help stave off dementia. "As it's extremely difficult to find a cure and treat those in the later stages of the disease, focusing our efforts on helping those at risk of developing dementia to stay healthy is one way to ensure Australians stay well in future," said Swinburne's Andrew Pipingas. The researchers also will investigate the cost-effectiveness of a MedDiet intervention, which is expected to mitigate the social and economic onuses associated with dementia care in a growing senior populace. With the NHMRC funding, Swinburne and its Australian and international partners will build on earlier research on a MedDiet's effects on the brain over time.