“Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic predisposition: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study”
The Mediterranean diet is a cuisine that emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, with a moderate intake of fish, red meats, eggs, and low intake of wine and dairy products. A study published March 14 2023 by BMC has shown that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower dementia risk. This study sought to gather more evidence for what has been an under researched relationship between diet and dementia, with most studies being limited to a small sample size of a few dozen people.
This study involved recruiting participants who were 60 years old or above and had accurate genetic and dietary data. Assessments were done using the Oxford WebQ- a web based dietary assessment tool. This highlights one limitation of the study as this means the data is self reported rather than observed. Still, this study was much more robust, and showed that the diet was associated with a 4.2-6.9% lower risk of dementia.
The next day, March 15 2023, a study published in the journal Heart, found that the diet displayed a 24% lower risk of cardiovascular disease in women and a 23% lower risk of total mortality.
The researchers observed that the Mediterranean diet’s antioxidant and gut microbiome effects on inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors are possible explanations, as well as the diets various components such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, abundant fibre sources, as well as a reduced glycemic load my also contribute to the lowered risk the studies indicated.
My input is that the diet is delicious, and anytime that is associated with health I am a little bit happier!
