A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce the risk of dementia, particularly in people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. The study, led by investigators from Mass General Brigham and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene variant benefited most from the diet, showing a significant reduction in dementia risk.
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have cognitive benefits in randomized trials, but its impact on people with varying genetic backgrounds was unknown. The researchers analyzed data from 4,215 women and 1,490 men, tracking their dietary patterns and blood metabolites over several decades. They found that those following a more Mediterranean-style diet had a lower risk of developing dementia and slower cognitive decline.
The protective effect of the diet was strongest in individuals with high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that diet may help offset genetic risk. The study’s findings suggest that dietary strategies, specifically the Mediterranean diet, could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and stave off dementia by influencing key metabolic pathways.
While the study has limitations, including its focus on well-educated individuals of European ancestry, it highlights the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for reducing dementia risk. Future research should explore whether targeting specific metabolites through diet or other interventions could provide a more personalized approach to preventing dementia.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/this-diet-could-help-protect-your-brain-from-alzheimers