A new study presented at NUTRITION 2025 found that following the MIND eating plan can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focuses on “brain-healthy foods” such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil.
The diet highlights 10 specific types of food that contain nutrients essential for supporting brain health, including flavonoids, carotenoids, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. In contrast, the MIND diet advises limiting or avoiding foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and processed meats.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults who reported their dietary habits in the 1990s and found that those who followed the MIND eating plan had an overall 9% reduced risk of dementia. This benefit was seen across various age groups, with some groups experiencing a greater reduction in risk.
Adhering to the diet for longer periods resulted in even greater reductions in risk, with those who followed it over a 10-year period showing a 25% lower risk compared to non-adherents. The study’s findings confirm that adopting a healthy diet in mid to late life can help prevent dementia, suggesting it is never too late to make changes for better brain health.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/06/05/health/people-who-eat-this-type-of-diet-are-at-low-risk-for-dementia-research-shows