A new study suggests that following the MIND diet—a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets designed to support brain health—can significantly lower the risk of dementia, even when adopted later in life.
Researchers in the United States tracked the eating habits of more than 90,000 adults over a period of ten years. They found that participants who closely followed the MIND diet reduced their risk of developing dementia by 25%, regardless of the age they began the diet.
The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, emphasizes plant-based foods and limits salt, red meat, and processed foods. It encourages regular consumption of whole grains and green leafy vegetables while minimizing intake of fried and fast foods.
Dr. Song-Yi Park, a nutrition scientist at the University of Hawaii and lead author of the study, said the findings highlight the strong link between diet and brain health.
“Healthy eating patterns in mid- and late life may prevent Alzheimer’s and similar forms of dementia,” Dr. Park said. “This suggests that it’s never too late to adopt a healthy diet,” she told GazetaExpress.
While previous research showed similar benefits for older women, this new study included both men and women aged 45 to 75. It was presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting in Orlando.
Participants’ diets were assessed again a decade after the study began. Those who improved their diet during the study saw the largest reduction in risk—up to 25%.
Though the exact scoring method for the diet was not detailed, earlier studies have used point-based systems. For example, individuals may earn points for eating three or more servings of whole grains a day and at least six servings of leafy greens per week. Eating red meat fewer than four times a week and limiting fried foods to once per week are also part of the guidelines.
Experts believe that the MIND diet’s high levels of antioxidants may help protect the brain from inflammation that contributes to dementia.
Lifestyle factors, including poor diet and lack of exercise, are thought to contribute to up to 40% of dementia cases.
Currently, about 944,000 people in the UK and around 7 million in the US live with dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, dementia costs the UK £42 billion a year—a figure projected to rise to £90 billion within 15 years as the population ages. Much of this cost is shouldered by families through unpaid caregiving and lost income.
While the study’s results are promising, they are still considered preliminary and have not yet undergone full peer review.
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