Mediterranean diet decreases dementia

It is also linked to benefits for people with high blood pressure or pre-hypertension.

The study used a survey which included a cognitive assessment and food frequency questions in order to observe developments across an 11 year period.  The results suggested a diet which included vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy and nuts may aid cognitive function.

Alzheimer's Society comment

'The study adds weight to a growing body of evidence which suggests that a Mediterranean diet full of green leafy vegetables, oily fish and the odd glass of red wine is the best type of diet for those who want to follow a diet that can help lower their chances of developing dementia.  Some studies have shown this can type of diet can reduce your risk by up to 40%.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference:

Wengreen, RD, PHD. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet adherance scores and cognitive decline and dementia among aging men and women: Cashe County study of Memory Health and Ageing.   

• Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/icad for the latest Alzheimer's Society responses to news from the conference.
• Visit www.alz.org/icad the official website of ICAD, the world's leading forum on dementia research.