Diet À La Grecque Demonstrates Derisking from Dementia

According to a recent Newcastle University study, a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce the incidence of dementia by up to 23%. Researchers examined information from the UK Biobank, which contained dietary assessments from over 60,000 people, and discovered that people who closely followed a Mediterranean diet had a decreased risk of acquiring dementia. There were 882 occurrences of dementia among the patients who were monitored for over ten years.

Large-Scale Study

One of the largest studies of its sort, the research was published in BMC Medicine. By calculating each person’s polygenic risk—a metric for all the various genes linked to dementia risk—the authors took their genetic propensity for dementia into account. Researchers from the universities of Exeter, Edinburgh, and UEA also contributed to the study.

High Intake of Plant-Based Foods

The researchers discovered that a Mediterranean diet with a high intake of nutritious plant-based foods might be a significant intervention to lower the incidence of dementia. The study also demonstrated that even for people with higher hereditary risk, a better diet could lower the probability of acquiring dementia. However, the authors noted that more study in a variety of populations is required to assess the potential advantages of a Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Janice Ranson, one of the lead authors of the study, suggests that future efforts to prevent dementia could focus on promoting the consumption of specific foods and nutrients that are important for brain health, instead of providing generic healthy diet advice.

Dementia in Brief

Dementia is a syndrome, a group of symptoms that can affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a single disease but a term that covers a wide range of conditions that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

The symptoms of dementia usually develop gradually and worsen over time. These can include memory loss, difficulty communicating, disorientation, confusion, and changes in mood or behavior. The causes of dementia vary depending on the type, but they generally involve damage to brain cells, often as a result of disease or injury. There is currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatments are available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Preventing or reducing the risk of dementia is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and social interaction can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts, may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of dementia. In addition, engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing games, and learning new skills may also help keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of dementia.

About the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern that is based on the traditional eating habits of people living in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece and Italy. It is characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as olive oil as the primary source of fat. The diet also includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy products, and limited amounts of red meat and sweets.

Numerous studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. In addition, research has suggested that the Mediterranean diet may also have cognitive benefits and may help to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in nutrients that are thought to be beneficial for brain health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins. It is also low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are associated with better heart health.

Overall, the Mediterranean diet is considered to be a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern that is relatively easy to follow. It is based on whole, nutrient-dense foods and can be customized to suit different preferences and cultural backgrounds.

Study DOI: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-023-02772-3

Engr. Dex Marco Tiu Guibelondo, BS Pharm, RPh, BS CpE

Editor-in-Chief, PharmaFEATURES