Mediterranean Diet Delays Alzheimer's for Three Extra Years

A brain imaging study published in Neurology of 70 healthy adults aged 30 to 60, half of whom had been following a Mediterranean diet for at least five years, found the diet group had 15 percent less beta-amyloid, reports New Scientist . Follow-up scanning three years later revealed that those on the Mediterranean diet had slower buildup of beta-amyloid and slower decline in brain metabolism, and the team estimated that the diet should provide at least 3.5 years of additional protection against Alzheimer's. However, the results of a second brain imaging study in older people has found even more positive benefits. The trial followed 1,100 people older than 60 for 12 years. "We clearly saw that those who adhered strongly to the Mediterranean diet had significantly less beta-amyloid in their brains," says Edith Cowen University's Ralph Martins. The outcomes suggest the diet could prevent Alzheimer's altogether, especially in conjunction with exercise and adequate sleep. "Lifestyle has a huge role to play," Martins says. "I think that's why Alzheimer's drug trials keep failing — they're coming in too late when the brain is already damaged."