A groundbreaking study from RUSH University in Chicago offers new insights into how diet may influence Alzheimer’s disease.
Published in the journal Neurology, the research highlights the potential benefits of diets rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, and fish for brain health.
The study focused on the adherence to the MIND and Mediterranean diets and its relationship with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Mediterranean diet is known for its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, and fish, while the MIND diet specifically prioritizes green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, along with berries and at least one serving of fish per week. Both diets also include moderate amounts of wine.
Researchers analyzed data from 581 participants, averaging 84 years old, who agreed to donate their brains for dementia research after death. Over the course of the study, participants filled out annual questionnaires about their eating habits.
After an average of seven years from the start of the study, many participants had passed away, and 66% of them were found to have Alzheimer’s disease.
Intriguingly, the research revealed that those who closely followed the Mediterranean and MIND diets had fewer amyloid plaques and tau tangles in their brains, hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, the study found that high consumption of green leafy vegetables (seven or more servings per week) was linked to brain health that appeared almost 19 years younger than those who consumed the least amount of these vegetables.
While the study shows a correlation between these healthy diets and fewer signs of Alzheimer’s, it stops short of proving a cause-and-effect relationship.
Nonetheless, the findings are significant and suggest that a diet rich in specific healthy foods may play a role in protecting brain health and cognitive function as people age.
Future research is needed to further validate these findings and understand the mechanisms behind this association.
This research, led by Puja Agarwal and her team, adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors, including diet, can have a considerable impact on the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
It underscores the potential of dietary interventions as a strategy for maintaining brain health and possibly reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s as we age.
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