Dementia may be prevented by eating a mediterranean diet.
That’s according to several health websites and a host of scientific studies.
Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and, of course, olive oil, eating this southern european diet could reduce the risk of memory loss and prevent the condition.
“Research suggests the mediterranean diet may slow cognitive decline in older adults,” Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, told the Mayo Clinic.
“It can also reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment, a transitional stage between the cognitive decline of normal ageing and dementia, and reduce the risk of this disease progressing into Alzheimer’s disease.”
The UK-based Alzheimer’s Society, considering the facts, said there was “some evidence” eating a mediterranean diet could reduce the risk of memory problems and dementia.
“Investigations have shown this diet is associated with lower levels of stroke, diabetes type 2, cardiovascular disease and death from any cause,” they wrote online.
“They have also shown sticking to the diet more strictly might be associated with slower rates of decline in memory and thinking.”
The Mediterranean diet could have this protective effect due to the high levels of antioxidants it contains.
Taken in from fruits and vegetables, these substances can help protect brain cells against damage by increasing the amount of protein available.
A 2017 study involving nearly 6,000 adults found those who consistently followed a mediterranean diet were more likely to avoid dementia.
Presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2017, London, the study even suggested a mediterranean diet could preserve mental ability.
However, the Alzheimer’s Association challenged some of the evidence this diet could prevent the condition.
“It is worth noting that other recent large studies have not shown similar trends,” they wrote online.
“It is also important to recognise that the studies were observational so they are unable to show any direct cause and effect in the way that a trial might.”
Continuing the analysis, they wrote: “This means people who follow Mediterranean diets may lead healthier lifestyles in general, so it may be this – rather than the diet itself – that causes the difference in memory and thinking problems.”
The NHS said online causes of dementia’s most common type, Alzheimer’s disease, include a stroke, narrowing of blood vessels inside the brain and several ‘mini-strokes’ that cause widespread mental damage.
Harvard Medical School, based in the US, has also suggested not getting enough sleep could cause dementia.
“Growing evidence suggests that improved sleep can help prevent Alzheimer’s and is linked to greater amyloid clearance from the brain,” said Dr Gad Marshall, associate medical director of clinical trials at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
He recommends aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
