The Mind Benefits from a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet – rich in olive oil, nuts, as well as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and limited amounts of dairy products, red meat, soda drinks, processed meats, and sweets – has been shown by a number of studies to confer cardiovascular benefits. Iliana Lourida, from the University of Exeter Medical School (United Kingdom), and colleagues analyzed 12 eligible pieces of research, 11 observational studies and one randomized control trial. In nine of the 12 studies, a higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Results for mild cognitive impairment were inconsistent. Observing that: “Published studies suggest that greater adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with slower cognitive decline and lower risk of developing Alzheimer disease,” the study authors encourage research to ascertain if the “Mediterranean diet … helps to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer disease and dementia.”