What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s?

By Sondra Forsyth

Many studies suggest that our diet may affect the aging brain’s ability to think and remember. These findings have led to research on general eating patterns and whether they might make a difference. 
 
One diet that shows promising evidence of health benefits is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and other seafood; unsaturated fats such as olive oils; and low amounts of red meat, eggs, and sweets. A variation of this diet, called MIND (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) incorporates the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which has been shown to lower high blood pressure, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

While scientists aren’t sure why the Mediterranean diet might help the brain, its effect on improving cardiovascular health might in turn reduce dementia risk. Two recent studies suggest that, as part of this diet, eating fish may be the strongest factor influencing higher cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.
 
Learn more about diet and the prevention of Alzheimer’s.