Scientists reveal diet plan that may lower Alzheimer's risk by 27%

The Mediterranean eating pattern is characterized by a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and olive oil, with a moderate intake of cheese and fish and a limited intake of red and processed meat. However, studies into the efficacy of this diet and dementia prevention have yielded inconsistent results.

To assess the existing data on this association, researchers from the University of Milan in Italy pooled data from 21 independent studies covering a total of 65,955 participants over the age of 60. Their results were published in the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research on March 22.

Strict adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with an 11 percent reduction in all dementias among older adults. The association was even stronger when only Alzheimer's disease was considered, with strict adherence to a Mediterranean diet being associated with a 27 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer's.

The researchers highlight that as the global population continues to rise, dietary changes could deliver significant savings in terms of both healthcare costs and quality of life.

"Despite the apparently small protective effect, it should be borne in mind that dementia is a frequently diagnosed disease, especially in the elderly," they write. "Furthermore, it is important to consider that the world's population is undergoing a progressive aging process, wherein the elderly constitute a significant proportion of the population.

"Therefore, even though the estimated effect size may be relatively modest, this applies to a rather large segment of the population, possibly on the rise."

It is important to note that these studies were purely observational, and more work needs to be done to elucidate any potential biochemical mechanisms underpinning this association. However, the researchers have suggested that reductions in inflammation associated with adherence to a Mediterranean diet could be responsible for these effects.

"Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity (mainly abdominal obesity), dyslipidaemia, and type 2 diabetes are considered to have a significant impact on the risk of dementia," the researchers write. "These factors are indeed associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance and consequent hyperinsulinemia that could be detrimental to the brain.

"Findings from several studies have shown that a high adherence to the MedDiet can lead to a reduction in several biomarkers of inflammation known to be implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

"The role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing chronic inflammation seems to be mediated by the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory action of the numerous bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and essential fatty acids, provided by foods typically consumed as part of this dietary pattern."

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