A new study presented at NUTRITION 2025 found that the MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, is particularly beneficial for cognitive health. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults, showed that following the MIND eating plan can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
The MIND diet focuses on “brain-healthy foods” such as leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, and olive oil. These foods contain essential nutrients like flavonoids, carotenoids, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you may be able to support brain health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
The study found that individuals who followed the MIND diet had a 9% reduced risk of dementia, with benefits seen among both younger and older groups. African American, Latino, and White participants showed a 13% lower risk, while Asian-American and native Hawaiian participants did not show as pronounced a reduction in risk.
In fact, those who adhered to the diet for 10 years had a 25% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who didn’t stick with it. The study’s findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life can prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias, suggesting that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to support brain health.
Overall, the MIND diet offers a promising approach to supporting cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia. By incorporating these “brain-healthy foods” into your diet, you may be able to take an important step towards protecting your brain health.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/rates-dementia-lower-people-who-eat-specific-diet-research-shows