How a Mediterranean diet promotes brain health and lowers dementia risk – new research findings

The Mediterranean diet is even better for us than we thought – it helps minimise the build-up of two proteins that can trigger dementia, a study finds

How it does so is unclear, but it could be because the diet reduces inflammation and so improves blood flow. Following the diet long-term is key, a doctor says

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The Mediterranean diet has been linked to reduced chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease. A new study suggests it might also aid in preserving cognitive health, too. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:45pm, 26 Jun 2021Updated: 8:46pm, 26 Jun 2021

The Mediterranean diet consistently tops the US News & World Report popular rankings for best overall diet.

The popular plan puts the focus on fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and olive oil while restricting red meat, refined sugars and processed foods. Science backs its link to the reduced incidence of chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Now a new study suggests it might also aid in preserving cognitive health.

Put simply, the Mediterranean diet helps minimise the build-up of the two proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Tommaso Ballarini, a researcher at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, says the diet has been associated with several beneficial health outcomes. His team’s study extended previous evidence concerning its potential protective role against neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits.

The Mediterranean diet has been associated with several beneficial health outcomes. Photo: Shutterstock

“The specific mechanisms underlying the association between eating a Mediterranean-like diet and lowering Alzheimer’s disease pathology are largely unknown. Several hypotheses have been proposed. For example, following a Mediterranean diet – rich in vegetables, fruits and healthy fats – could modulate inflammation and oxidative damage, two processes that are thought to influence the progression of neuropathology in the brain,” Ballarini says.