United Kingdom: A new study has found that a Mediterranean diet of nuts, seafood, whole grains, and vegetables could lower the risk of dementia by almost a quarter, paving the way for new preventive treatments.
The research suggested that eating lots of plant-based foods may have a “protective effect” against dementia, regardless of a person’s genetic risk. The latest findings could form the basis for future public health strategies if further research confirms them.
The findings are published in the journal BMC Medicine and are based on data from more than 60,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, an online database of medical and lifestyle records from more than half a million Britons.
Study co-author Ms. Janice Ranson, a research fellow at the University of Exeter, commented that “the findings from this large population-based study underscore the long-term brain health benefits of consuming a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.”
“The protective effect of this diet against dementia was evident regardless of a person’s genetic risk, and so this is likely to be a beneficial lifestyle choice for people looking to make healthy dietary choices and reduce their risk of dementia,” Ms. Ranson further added.
The researchers conducted the study on individuals using two measures for adherence to the Mediterranean diet and taking into account each individual’s genetic risk for dementia.
Over the course of nearly a decade, there were 882 cases of dementia. The study found that those who followed a strict Mediterranean diet had a 23 percent lower risk of developing the condition compared with those who ate differently.
Dr. Oliver Shannon, a lecturer in human nutrition and ageing at Newcastle University and lead author on the study, remarked that finding ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia was a “major priority” for public health. “Dementia impacts the lives of millions of individuals throughout the world, and there are currently limited options for treating this condition,” Mr. Shannon added.
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